Another one bites the dust.
The Jets are quickly running out of veteran options to provide the competition they have promised Mark Sanchez as Matt Moore — thought to be a prime target of Gang Green when free agency opens Tuesday — opted to re-sign with the Dolphins yesterday.
But at least Jets coach Rex Ryan and new general manager John Idzik could have plenty to choose from in the bargain bins when it comes to filling holes in their secondary. A wave of big-name cornerbacks and safeties were released yesterday, including Panthers corner Chris Gamble and Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson.
Gamble could be a low-cost option if the Jets decide to trade Darrelle Revis, and Wilson might be an option to replace the safety depth lost with Eric Smith’s release and LaRon Landry’s decision to test his value in free agency.
Meanwhile, Moore’s decision to return to Miami as Ryan Tannehill’s backup was a surprise, considering Moore was sure to attract interest from more than just the Jets offering him a shot at starting. The move also could speak volumes about the attractiveness of the Jets to players around the league.
Moore’s exit further depleted an already bleak crop of quarterbacks available going into the three-day free agent negotiating window that opened up around the NFL at midnight last night.
The only mildly interesting candidates — extreme emphasis on mild — are Jason Campbell, Rex Grossman and Drew Stanton. But you likely can cross off Stanton as a candidate for the Jets after they angered him last year by releasing him following just seven days on the roster in the wake of the Tim Tebow trade.
The Jets worked out veteran David Garrard last week, but have yet to sign the 35-year-old former Jaguar. The sides say they are keeping the lines of communication open, but doubts persist about Garrard’s health after he missed the past two years because of back and knee surgery.
Though there is an outside chance the Jets could make a play for Seahawks backup Matt Flynn, who is now an expensive clipboard holder for Seattle with the emergence of Russell Wilson, it appears increasingly likely Idzik will have to use the draft to address his quarterback situation if Garrard isn’t signed.
Unfortunately for the Jets, this is considered one of the weakest college quarterback crops in years. West Virginia’s Geno Smith and Matt Barkley are the headliners, but scouts say they wouldn’t be surprised if just one passer is taken in the first round.
The Jets appear to be more interested in college quarterbacks available in the middle rounds. New Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg reportedly had an extensive meeting Thursday night with Syracuse passer Ryan Nassib, graded as a second- or third-round prospect.
* The Jets extended a low-level tender to restricted free agent tight end Jeff Cumberland, according to sources.
That means Cumberland would be paid $1.32 million if he stays with the Jets, and they have the right to match any contract offer from another team within seven days. They would not receive any draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.
Cumberland started 12 games for the Jets in 2012 after starter Dustin Keller was injured. He had 29 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns.
The Jets could be looking for Cumberland, 25, to replace Keller, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, as the starter in 2013.
* Jets coach Rex Ryan was among the coaches from every NFL team, most of them assistants, in College Station, Texas, yesterday to watch Texas A&M’s prospects work out, including Aggies left tackle Luke Joeckel who is considered by many the top prospect in next month’s NFL Draft.