NFL

COLES AGREES TO EXTENSION

The Jets, after spending some $140 million in free agent contracts this offseason on players who have never worn their uniform, yesterday took care of one of their most respected, hardest-working players.

Laveranues Coles, who entered this offseason with two remaining years on his contract worth $11 million but wanted an extension to ensure he’d finish his career as a Jet, yesterday agreed to that extension. Terms of the deal were not immediately available, but it’s believed Coles had either two or three years added to his contract.

Coles earlier this offseason was critical of the Jets because he felt they were not going to honor his wish for an extension and he threatened to sit out the offseason conditioning program, which began last week. He didn’t show up when the program began, a damaging blow considering his role as captain and one of the more popular players in the locker room.

Initially the Jets offered to guarantee the remaining $11 million of his deal, but Coles said he was more concerned wth the long-term security. When the Jets let Coles know they would work something out, he appeared at the conditioning program on Monday.

The extension allows the Jets to smartly avert the ugly public situation they allowed to fester and implode last year with left guard Pete Kendall, who was seeking $1 million added to his contract. The Jets steadfastly refused, ended up trading Kendall for a fourth-round pick and proceeded to struggle mightily on the offensive line all year – particularly at Kendall’s position.

Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, who was awarded a new contract before last season, are the lifeblood of the Jets receiving corps and the Jets could not afford to break that up.