NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

April 7, 2015

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 1

Jets' Geno Smith hoping to improve, trained with Tom House (Dennis Waszak) ..................................................... 2

Wilkerson sits out Jets' first voluntary workout (Dennis Waszak) ............................................................................ 3

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson misses workout (J.P. Pelzman)..................................................................................... 3

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Geno Smith 'very pleased' after offseason workouts with Tom Brady's quarterback guru (Kimberley Martin) ...... 4

Sheldon Richardson bullish on Jets defense (Kimberley Martin) .............................................................................. 5

Muhammad Wilkerson absent from Jets' voluntary workouts (Kimberley Martin) ................................................. 6

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Sheldon Richardson: Jets can be best team in NFL (Rich Cimini) .............................................................................. 6

Jets players react to Todd Bowles' first address to team(Rich Cimini) ...................................................................... 7

Geno Smith works with Tom Brady's quarterback guru (Rich Cimini) ...................................................................... 7

Mo Wilkerson, man of few words, says plenty by skipping workouts (Rich Cimini) ................................................. 8

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Damon Harrison, Jaiquawn Jarrett present for Jets' offseason program (Dom Cosentino) .................................... 10

Calvin Pryor on being moved to Jets' strong safety: 'Music to my ears'(Dom Cosentino) ...................................... 11

Agent: Muhammad Wilkerson will not attend Jets' voluntary workouts (Dom Cosentino) ................................... 12

Sheldon Richardson thinks Jets can be the 'top team in the league' (Dom Cosentino) .......................................... 13

How would Geno Smith react if Jets drafted Marcus Mariota? (Darryl Slater) ....................................................... 14

Jets' Nick Mangold has conflicting emotions about Rex Ryan coaching Buffalo Bills (Darryl Slater) ...................... 14

What did Jets' Geno Smith gain from working with quarterbacks guru Tom House? (Darryl Slater) ..................... 15

T.J. Clemmings, possible first-round pick, to attend Jets local pro day (Dom Cosentino)....................................... 16

Muhammad Wilkerson a no-show for Jets offseason program, source confirms (Dom Cosentino) ...................... 16

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 17

Jets’ Wilkerson skipping workouts while seeking payday (Paul Schwartz) ............................................................. 17

Geno Smith on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s built-in advantage.............................................................................................. 18

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Sheldon Richardson says Jets defense will be NFL’s best in 2015 (Seth Walder).................................................... 19

Mo Wilkerson, a no-show at Jets voluntary off-season program, deserves to cash in (Manish Mehta) ................ 20

MONDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................... 21

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Jets' Geno Smith hoping to improve, trained with Tom House (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press April 6, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-geno-smith-hoping-improve-trained-tom-house

NEW YORK (AP) — Geno Smith is making a pitch for a much-improved third NFL season.

The New York Jets quarterback trained with former major league pitcher Tom House in California recently, looking to put the struggles of his first two years behind him.

Smith, expected to compete with Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting quarterback job, worked with House along with Jets wide receivers Quincy Enunwa and Shaq Evans. House, widely regarded as an innovative pitching coach, has also tutored several NFL quarterbacks over the years, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, Andy Dalton, Alex Smith and Tim Tebow.

"I heard about his name a few times when I was coming out of college and I always thought about working with him, but just never really had an opportunity," Smith said during a conference call after the Jets' first voluntary workout Monday. "This past offseason, I had the opportunity to work with him and was very pleased in the work that we were able to do and the progress I made."

While Smith didn't go into specifics about the workouts with House, he said there was no overhaul to his mechanics.

"It wasn't a thing where I needed to change things," Smith said. "It was basically just going out there to work out and get better, and that's what we accomplished."

Smith has thrown 25 touchdowns in his first two seasons, but has also tossed 34 interceptions with a dismal career quarterback rating of 71.5. Because of that inconsistency, the quarterback position remains an uncertainty for the Jets — despite Smith throwing for 358 yards and three touchdowns with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3 in the season-ending win at Miami.

"There's a ton of potential there," center Nick Mangold said of Smith.

New coach Todd Bowles recently said the team would like to add another player to the quarterback mix for new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's system that includes Smith, Fitzpatrick and Matt Simms. New York could focus on another quarterback in free agency, or opt to draft one, namely Oregon's Marcus Mariota, with the No. 6 pick.

"Well, whoever we draft is going to obviously be someone who's going to help out this team," Smith said.

For now, Smith is expected to take the bulk of snaps with the starters since Fitzpatrick won't be fully cleared for practice until training camp after breaking his leg in a game with Houston last season. Smith said the coaches haven't spoken definitively about his role, and he danced around a question as to whether the next few months are vital for him and his future with the franchise.

"Every offseason has been important for me," he said. "I take it upon myself to work hard and try to improve myself every way I possibly can. This offseason was no different than any other. I worked extremely hard and did my best to get better."

Part of that was working out in Florida a few weeks ago with recently acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

"We really just talked over things and ran through routes," Smith said, "and started to develop a chemistry and a bond with one another."

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Smith said he and Gailey have spoken briefly about the basics of his offense, including running the huddle, his cadence and a few routes. The quarterback also acknowledged that Fitzpatrick has a greater familiarity with Gailey's offense from their days together in Buffalo, but added that the veteran has already been willing to help him pick up the system.

"As of right now, I'm just focusing on getting better every single day, and relishing every single opportunity that I have," Smith said. "Today's only Day 1, Phase 1."

NOTES: Mangold on Bowles: "We got to see him up in front of the team this morning, and he's got great passion." ... Mangold on Rex Ryan moving from the Jets to the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills: "Obviously, I'm happy for Rex and I'm excited for him and hope that he does well — but not that well." ... WR Jeremy Kerley said Gailey's offense can be "explosive" and "different," and added, "different can be good."

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Wilkerson sits out Jets' first voluntary workout (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press April 6, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/wilkerson-sits-out-jets-first-voluntary-workout

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson will not attend the team's voluntary workouts this spring while he waits for a potential new contract.

The players reported for workouts Monday, but are not required to attend. Mandatory minicamp is in early June.

Agent Chad Wiestling said Wilkerson won't attend any of the voluntary workouts.

"Muhammad has been engaged in a workout program with his personal trainer since February," Wiestling wrote in an email to The Associated Press, "and believes that continuing with his current program will put him in the best physical shape for the 2015 season."

CBSSports.com first reported Wilkerson's absence.

Wilkerson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and due to make $6.9 million this season. He acknowledged at the end of last season he was surprised there had been no movement on contract talks.

General manager Mike Maccagnan replaced the fired John Idzik in January, and recently said the Jets will discuss a deal with Wilkerson in the offseason — but likely not until after the draft next month.

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THE RECORD

Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson misses workout (J.P. Pelzman) The Record April 7, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-wilkerson-a-no-show-1.1303977

A source confirmed multiple reports that star Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson didn't report Monday for the first day of voluntary off-season conditioning.

Wilkerson, one of the keys to the Jets' defense, has been seeking a contract extension for some time. He is scheduled to make $6.969 million in 2015 on a fifth-year club option. He would become a free agent after this season if the Jets do not re-sign him.

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It's unclear how long Wilkerson plans to skip voluntary sessions. Jets GM Mike Maccagnan said last week on a conference call with season-ticket holders that he plans to discuss a long-term deal with Wilkerson, but indicated he probably wouldn't do that until after the NFL Draft, which runs from April 30-May 2. Maccagnan has said he wants to keep Wilkerson.

The Jets don't have a mandatory event scheduled until spring minicamp, which will take place June 9-11. Until then, Wilkerson, a fifth-year pro, cannot be fined for any absences because everything is voluntary until then. That includes an extra minicamp which will take place April 28-30, plus Organized Team Activities, which will begin next month.

On the other side of the ball, QB Geno Smith said he trained with former major league pitcher Tom House in California recently, looking to put the struggles of his first two years behind him.

PETERSON TALKS SET: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson will meet today with the NFL to discuss his playing status, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Peterson was suspended under the league's personal conduct policy through at least April 15 due to the child abuse case involving his young son, a punishment he appealed. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he planned to meet with Peterson before the anticipated expiration date of the suspension to assess the six-time Pro Bowl pick's status.

Once Peterson's playing status is clarified, there's still the glaring matter of his disinterest in continuing his career in Minnesota.

BRIEFS: Former UCLA QB Brett Hundley agreed to meet with the Texans today, NFL Network reported. … The Bengals added to their depth at receiver by signing Denarius Moore (Raiders). … Free agent CB Jacob Lacey, who last played for the Vikings in 2013, signed with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts.

This article contains reports from The Associated Press.

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NEWSDAY

Geno Smith 'very pleased' after offseason workouts with Tom Brady's quarterback guru (Kimberley Martin) Newsday April 6, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/geno-smith-very-pleased-after-offseason-workouts-with-tom-brady-s-quarterback-guru-1.10207385

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - In an attempt to improve his game, Geno Smith turned to Tom Brady's quarterback guru.

The Jets quarterback has spent time in California this offseason working out with former major-league pitcher-turned-quarterback tutor Tom House, who also has worked with Drew Brees, Alex Smith, Matt Cassel and former Jet Tim Tebow.

But Smith insisted his mechanics didn't need any fine-tuning.

"It wasn't a thing where I needed to change things," said Smith, who is 11-18 in two seasons. "It was basically just going out there to work out and get better, and that's what we accomplished."

Smith said he is "very pleased" with the progress he's made, but it remains to be seen what his new coaching staff thinks of him compared with the other quarterbacks on the roster.

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"As of right now, I'm just focusing on getting better every single day and relishing every single opportunity that I have," Smith said on a conference call Monday after the team's first day of voluntary workouts. "Today's only Day 1, Phase 1."

Smith struggled as the starter the past two seasons, and last month general manager Mike Maccagnan traded for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Coach Todd Bowles also hinted last week that the team wants to add another quarterback to the mix.

Smith acknowledged that Fitzpatrick "may have a better understanding of some things" because he previously played for new Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, but he also said Fitzpatrick is "always willing to help. And that's very fortunate for all of us."

Smith brushed off speculation that the Jets are interested in drafting Oregon's Marcus Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner. "Well, whoever we draft is going to obviously be someone who's going to help out this team," Smith said.

He also danced around questions that pertained to his level of play the past two years.

"I think we definitely fell short as a team," he said when asked if he is disappointed in his play.

"How did you look at your season from a personal standpoint?" he then was asked.

"We were 4-12 as a team,'' Smith said, "and it wasn't good enough."

Wilkerson a no-show. There was one noticeable absence at the Jets' facility Monday: Muhammad Wilkerson. The star defensive lineman, who has been seeking a contract extension since last season, skipped the first day of voluntary workouts. His agent, Chad Wiestling, said in a statement: "Muhammad will not be attending the Jets' voluntary workouts that began today. Muhammad has been engaged in a workout program with his personal trainer since February and believes that continuing with his current program will put him in the best physical shape for the 2015 season." The Jets exercised Wilkerson's fifth-year option and he is scheduled to make $6.969 million in 2015.

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Sheldon Richardson bullish on Jets defense (Kimberley Martin) Newsday April 6, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/sheldon-richardson-bullish-on-jets-defense-1.10208761

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Rex Ryan may be gone, but the air of overconfidence hasn't left One Jets Drive.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson couldn't help but boast about the direction the Jets are headed in 2015 following their first day of voluntary workouts.

"We strongly feel like we're going to be the top defense in the league -- and top team in the league, not just defense," Richardson said during an interview with a Jets team reporter Monday afternoon. "Offensively and defensively, we made moves that I feel like that progressed this team forward. And I feel like Jet Nation feels the same way.

"I strongly feel like this is going to be a great season for us."

Richardson, the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has never been shy about expressing himself. And it's not hard to see why he's extremely confident heading into this season.

New general manager Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles revamped the secondary this offseason with the blockbuster signing of Darrelle Revis (who won a Super Bowl with New England in February), the

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return of Antonio Cromartie and the additions of former Browns cornerback Buster Skrine and former Chargers safety Marcus Gilchrist. The Jets' front office also upgraded the offense by trading for former Bears wideout Brandon Marshall and veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, and added depth to the offensive line.

But even though the defense looks great on paper, being the top team in the AFC East -- let alone the league -- won't be easy without quality quarterback play. The Jets went 8-8 during Geno Smith's rookie year (2013) and 4-12 last season.

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Muhammad Wilkerson absent from Jets' voluntary workouts (Kimberley Martin) Newsday April 6, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/muhammad-wilkerson-absent-from-jets-voluntary-workouts-1.10204910

Jets players arrived in Florham Park on Monday for the start of the team's voluntary workouts. But there was one noticeable absence: Muhammad Wilkerson.

The Jets' star defensive lineman has been seeking a contract extension since last season when former general manager John Idzik was running the show. A new deal was never reached between Idzik and Wilkerson's agent, and it's unclear when new GM Mike Maccagnan will come to an agreement on Wilkerson's long-term compensation.

During a conference call with season ticket holders last week, Maccagnan pointed out that Wilkerson has another year left on his current contract. Maccagnan has made it clear in recent months that keeping their star defensive player is a priority, but the team first had to get through free agency and this month's NFL draft.

ESPN NEW YORK

Sheldon Richardson: Jets can be best team in NFL (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50446/sheldon-richardson-jets-can-be-best-team-in-nfl

One of the lasting images from last season was Sheldon Richardson, on the verge of tears, expressing everything from anger to disappointment as he stood in front of his locker after an embarrassing 38-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was raw emotion. The headline quote from his rant was, "I didn't get drafted to lose games."

Richardson's outlook was much brighter Monday, the first day of the New York Jets' offseason program. What a difference a spending spree can make.

"We strongly feel like we're going to be the top defense in the league and top team in the league, not just defense," Richardson said in an interview that aired on the team's official website.

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Ah, there's nothing like offseason optimism. Even teams that finished 4-12 can dream big.

Since the Rex Ryan era ended, the Jets have changed just about everything, from the front office to the coaching staff to the roster. They've been one of the big stories of the offseason, acquiring the likes of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall and Antonio Cromartie. They've doled out about $90 million in guaranteed money, investing most of it to rebuild the secondary.

With a new-look secondary and a stacked defensive line, the Jets have a chance to be special on defense.

The Jets never have been shy on confidence -- a Rex thing -- but now Richardson believes they have the talent to back it up.

"This is going to be a great season," he said. "I strongly feel like this is going to be a great season for us."

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Jets players react to Todd Bowles' first address to team(Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50436/jets-players-react-to-todd-bowles-first-address-to-team

Jeremy Kerley, Nick Mangold and Geno Smith were made available to the media on Monday, the first day of the New York Jets' offseason program. A few highlights from the interviews:

Mangold on Todd Bowles' introductory team meeting:"He's got great passion, really excited about being a head coach, about his vision. I'm excited as we get going to continue to see how he goes about doing things, how he runs meetings, how he runs practices. It's going to be a fun offseason."

Smith on Bowles' message to the team: "It's all about winning. Every guy on this team is going to have a role and it's going to be very definitive. But right now, the only role you have is to develop a bond and a chemistry with your new teammates and all the new coaches and all the new faces in the building. Allow yourselves to get better and allow yourselves to be coached."

Kerley on the addition of fellow wide receiver Brandon Marshall:"Hopefully, it will free me up a little bit on the inside, free Jace [Amaro] up a little bit on the inside so he can do a little bit more work there. He's going to create matchups for us, one on one. Even when he has that No. 1 corner on him, he's such a big target that, when you throw it to him, he'll go up and get it. Or he can run past you and go get it, whatever you ask him to do. And then we have Eric Decker, who showed what he can do in the last game of the season (221 yards). We just have weapons everywhere."

Kerley on Chan Gailey's spread offense: "It's something different, but different can be good. We have to utilize it the right way."

Mangold on Rex Ryan being hired by the division rival Buffalo Bills: "Obviously, happy for Rex. I'm excited for him and I hope that he does well, but not that well."

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Geno Smith works with Tom Brady's quarterback guru (Rich Cimini) April 6, 2015 ESPN New York

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50433/geno-smith-works-with-tom-bradys-quarterback-guru

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The New York Jets don't have a West Coast offense anymore, but Geno Smithflew there to sharpen his game.

The third-year quarterback spent time in California recently with Tom House, the former major-league pitcher-turned-pitching coach and quarterback guru. House has tutored stars such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees and, yes, even Tim Tebow.

Smith, speaking to reporters Monday on a conference call, said he was joined at the workouts by teammates Quincy Enunwa and Shaq Evans.

"I worked extremely hard to improve my mechanics and some of the things I felt I needed to improve on from last year, that I could work on without being in the team structure," Smith said.

In previous offseasons, Smith trained at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He heard about House when he came out of college in 2013, and he always considered the possibility of working with him. He said he was "very pleased with the work we were able to do and the progress that I made."

House is known for cleaning up, or tweaking, a quarterback's mechanics. Smith declined to get into specifics, saying, "I didn't change anything. It's not a thing where I needed to change anything. It was basically, just go out there, work out and get better."

Clearly, Smith has a lot of room for improvement after throwing 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in his first two seasons. This is a now-or-never year for Smith, who will be challenged by Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Smith declined to speculate on his role, saying he wants to take it day by day. He also avoided a question about Marcus Mariota, who has been linked to the Jets in pre-draft speculation. If they pick Mariota, Smith will be yesterday's news.

"In this league, there's no room for excuses, there's no room for moral victories," Smith said. "Right now, my mindset is I have to put this team in position to win games and be successful. Whatever it takes to do so is what I plan on doing."

Todd Bowles said recently that Smith will go into training camp as the No. 1 quarterback, receiving a majority of the reps. That certainly will be the case in the offseason, as Fitzpatrick recovers from a broken leg. The offseason program began Monday, but practices don't start until the first minicamp, April 28.

Fitzpatrick might be behind now, but he has an advantage in that he already knows Chan Gailey's offense. Asked if that gives Fitzpatrick a "leg up" in the competition, Smith chose his words carefully.

"Ryan may have a better understanding of some things, but he's always willing to help," he said. "That's very fortunate for all of us."

By rule, coach-player interaction is limited at this stage of the offseason. Smith said he talked with Gailey about the basics of his spread offense -- the huddle, the cadence and a few pass routes.

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Mo Wilkerson, man of few words, says plenty by skipping workouts (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 6, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/50419/mo-wilkerson-man-of-few-words-says-plenty-by-skipping-workouts

No more Mr. Nice Guy.

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For the first time since his contract became an issue a year ago, Muhammad Wilkerson is putting himself ahead of the team by deciding to skip the start of the New York Jets' offseason program. He has every right to feel this way. It's a miniprotest, a justifiable message to the Jets' front office that he's not happy with the glacial pace of his contract negotiations.

Wilkerson was a good soldier last season, saying he considered it unbecoming of a team leader to stage a contract holdout. He showed up and played for a below-market salary ($1.2 million), never whining about how he wanted a new contract. He showed his commitment to the organization in December when he returned from a painful turf toe injury with only two games remaining in a lost season. It would've been easy to shut it down, especially with his contract situation, but he insisted it's not in his DNA to sit out.

So now he's entering the final year of his contract, wondering when (if?) he will get a long-term extension. Wilkerson watched last year as other defensive linemen in his draft class, J.J. Watt and Robert Quinn, landed big-time deals with their respective teams. Former general manager John Idzik, who guarded Woody Johnson's money like a sentry at the U.S. Mint, never showed urgency to get a deal done.

New GM Mike Maccagnan, the beneficiary of Idzik's frugal approach, has no choice but to spend money, per the league's minimum-spending requirement -- and he's throwing around some serious cash. The Jets have doled out about $90 million in guaranteed money, including an obscene $39 million to Darrelle Revis. So Wilkerson, loyal Jet, is wondering, "What about me?" They still have $12 million in cap room, including Wilkerson's $6.969 million salary. In other words, there's enough space to make Wilkerson happy.

Maccagnan said as recently as last week that Wilkerson is a valued member of the team and that he intends to focus on the contract after the draft. He's right; the priority should be the draft. When it's over, the Jets will have nearly three months to negotiate before training camp.

So Wilkerson's no-show isn't cause for panic. It's important to remember these workouts are voluntary, so he can't be fined by the team. The first mandatory team activity is June 9, the second minicamp.

Take a deep breath, folks; this isn't Revis-ugly, circa 2010. But at the same time, it's a fairly loud statement, one of the best players on the team deciding to skip the start of the new coach's offseason program. Wilkerson's absence is the first blemish for Todd Bowles. Welcome to the big office, Coach.

Chances are Wilkerson will get a new deal by the start of the regular season, assuming both sides are willing and fair. Maccagnan doesn't have much of a track record, but he certainly comes across as a GM who wants to keep the fan base happy -- and the fans want to see Wilkerson in green for a long time. He's one of the top 3-4 defensive ends in the league, a vital piece in the team's future. He deserves to be one of the highest-paid defensive linemen in the league, probably just south of Watt ($16.7 million per year) and Quinn ($14.2 million).

The worst-case scenario? Wilkerson plays out the final year and gets slapped with a franchise tag next year. Actually, the absolute worst-case scenario is everything falls apart and the Jets put him on the trading block, traveling the Revis road once again.

That's a long way from happening. It's only April 6, and Wilkerson isn't missing anything of significance. But Big Mo, a man of few words, is saying plenty with his absence.

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Muhammad Wilkerson, seeking new deal, skips start of offseason program (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 6, 2015

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http://espn.go.com/newyork/nfl/story/_/id/12627453/muhammad-wilkerson-new-york-jets-skips-start-offseason-program

New York Jets coach Todd Bowles opened his first offseason program Monday without one of his best players: defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

Wilkerson, entering the final year of his contract, decided to stay away as he awaits a new deal, his agent confirmed. Even though the workouts are voluntary, his no-show sends a message to the front office that he is not happy with the pace of negotiations.

Muhammad Wilkerson has watched the Jets toss around a lot of money this offseason. It's not surprising -- or unreasonable -- that he wants to see some come his way, Rich Cimini writes.

There was no indication if he will skip the entire offseason program. The Jets don't have a mandatory event until June 9, their second minicamp.

Wilkerson's agent, Chad Wiestling, released a statement, saying his client "will not be attending the New York Jets 2015 voluntary workouts that began [Monday'. Muhammad has been engaged in a workout program with his personal trainer since February and believes that continuing with his current program will put him in the best physical shape for the 2015 season."

The two sides have been talking on and off for about a year, but they've never been close to a deal. The Jets changed general managers after the season, replacing John Idzik with Mike Maccagnan, which may have slowed the process.

Wilkerson always has put the team ahead of his contract, indicating last offseason that he'd never consider a holdout. He played last season for only $1.2 million. At the end of the season, though, he admitted he was surprised he didn't have a new deal.

Wilkerson, a first-round pick in 2011, is due to make $6.969 million in 2015, the amount of his fifth-year option. The Jets exercised the option last spring. Right now, he's the seventh-highest-paid player on the team, based on 2015 compensation.

The Jets have been one of the most active teams in the offseason, having doled out close to $90 million in fully guaranteed money.

Wilkerson's absence comes four days after Maccagnan suggested Wilkerson's contract situation will be on the back burner until after the draft.

"That's something we're going to discuss here in the offseason at some point in time with him," Maccagnan said. "Obviously, for us, first we're going to work ourselves through the draft process. After that, that's something we're going to address going forward. I think for a lot of these things, it may be a process.

"Obviously, the agent and Muhammad have their perspective. We're going to have our point, and at the end of the day, hopefully find a middle ground we're both comfortable with. Muhammad is a very good player. I'd like to keep him a Jet."

Wilkerson's no-show was earlier reported by CBSSports.com.

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Damon Harrison, Jaiquawn Jarrett present for Jets' offseason program (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media

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April 6. 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/damon_harrison_jaiquawn_jarrett_present_for_jets_o.html

The Jets entered this offseason with two restricted free agents from last year's roster: nose tackle Damon Harrison and safety Jaiquawn Jarrett. Both have been offered restricted tenders. And even though there's been no official word on whether either has signed those offer sheets, both Harrison and Jarrett were present for the first day of the Jets' offseason workout program on Monday in Florham Park.

Harrison's and Jarrett's arrival at One Jets Drive Monday morning was confirmed by photos that appeared on the Jets' team website. Here's Harrison;here's Jarrett.

Once Harrison and Jarrett were tendered last month, it became unlikely either was going anywhere, since the restricted system is basically a form of collusion that gives players virtually no bargaining room.

Harrison, an undrafted free agent in 2012 who has blossomed into a terrific run-stopper, was tendered an offer sheet that calls for him to earn $2.356 million this season. The Jets have a right of first refusal if another team were to offer him, and they would be owed a second-round pick in this year's draft if he were to accept any other team's offer.

Jarrett, who made five starts last season, was tendered at $1.542 million, but the Jets also have a right of first refusal and would receive a third-round draft pick as compensation if he were to walk.

Monday began Phase 1 of the voluntary offseason program, which only includes strength and conditioning, physical rehabilitation, and classroom work, so there's little injury risk in showing up even without a signed contract.

Harrison and Jarrett have until April 24 to sign their tenders. That they both showed up on the first day of a voluntary workout program is a pretty good indication they intend to sign, assuming they haven't done so already.

One Jets player who is under contract, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, was not present on Monday. Wilkerson is angling for a contract extension, and his agent said Wilkerson would not partake in the team's voluntary workouts.

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Calvin Pryor on being moved to Jets' strong safety: 'Music to my ears'(Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/calvin_pryor_on_being_moved_to_jets_strong_safety.html

Asked to assess his 2014 rookie season with the Jets, safety Calvin Pryor didn't bite his tongue.

"A learning curve," Pryor said in an interview that aired on the team's website Monday, the first day of the Jets' offseason program. "I went through a lot of things last year—more bad than good. Which I think helped me."

The Jets drafted Pryor out of Louisville with the 18th overall selection last May. He was known as a big hitter. But because the Jets were weak and depleted at cornerback, Pryor was forced into playing more in coverage than he and the Jets would have wanted. The results weren't always pretty, and Pryor even got benched for a spell in November.

"I was kind of placed in some positions that I wasn't normally placed in that caused me to do some things that I wouldn't normally do," Pryor said.

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The Jets did get some reinforcements for this season. In free agency, they signed three cornerbacks—Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine—plus a safety to complement Pryor in Marcus Gilchrist.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Gilchrist, a converted corner, will play free safety to handle a lot of the coverage duties, which will give Pryor the chance to play strong safety and to position himself closer to the line of scrimmage.

"So I'm going to be back to my old self, doing what I do, being down in the box, and just tracking the ball down," Pryor said. "That was music to my ears. That made my day go by better. I'm definitely enjoying it."

Asked to assess the heavy-lifting the Jets did to upgrade their secondary with all of the aforementioned acquisitions, Pryor's eyes widened.

"Wow," he said. "I was excited by all of it. If it can help the team and help the team win, I'm all for it."

On the impact Revis and Cromartie are expected to have on the outside, Pryor said, "It makes [our] job easier as safeties. We don't have to worry about too much; this guy can handle his own, and it's been proven year-in and year-out. It gives me more confidence, that I've got somebody [like that] playing alongside of me."

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Agent: Muhammad Wilkerson will not attend Jets' voluntary workouts (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advanced Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/agent_muhammad_wilkerson_will_not_attend_jets_volu.html

Muhammad Wilkerson did not attend the first day of the Jets' voluntary offseason program on Monday, and Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports was first to report that it was because the talented defensive end is still without a contract beyond this season.

Now La Canfora has gotten Wilkerson's agent, Chad Wiestling, to say on the record that Wilkerson will skip the voluntary portion of the Jets' offseason program.

"Muhammad will not be attending the Jets' voluntary workouts that began today," Wiestling said, per La Canfora. "Muhammad has been engaged in a workout program with his personal trainer since February, and believes that continuing with his current program will put him in the best physical shape for the 2015 season."

The Jets, because they have a new head coach in Todd Bowles, were permitted to begin Phase 1 of their offseason program on Monday, two weeks before teams with returning head coaches. But Phase 1 is merely strength and conditioning and physical rehabilition in addition to classroom work. There is no no on-field stuff.

The Jets do have a three-day voluntary minicamp that begins April 28. Phase 2 begins in a few weeks, with individual on-field instruction and drills, but no team offense versus team defense drills. Phase 3 begins in mid-May, with 10 days of organized team activities in a span of about three weeks. All of those workouts are also voluntary.

The first mandatory practice is the minicamp that runs from June 9-11.

For more on Wilkerson's contract situation and how it relates to his attendance at the offseason program, click here.

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Sheldon Richardson thinks Jets can be the 'top team in the league' (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/sheldon_richardson_thinks_jets_can_be_the_top_team.html

To a man, the Jets seem excited about the wheeling and dealing that's been done to improve their roster this offseason.

But it's going to be tough to top the enthusiasm defensive end Sheldon Richardson showed on the first day of the team's voluntary offseason program.

"We strongly feel like we're going to be the top defense in the league—and top team in the league, not just defense," Richardson said in an interview that aired on the team website Monday afternoon.

It wasn't uncommon for there to be lots of talk like this during Rex Ryan's six seasons as the head coach in Florham Park. But Ryan's running the Bills now, and he's been replaced by Todd Bowles, who prefers a somewhat gentler approach to media relations.

Yes, the Jets went 4-12 last year, and their quarterback situation seems likely to play out under a familiar, perpetual raincloud, though it's also something they might address during the draft. But understand: Any player or coach who doesn't think he and his teammates are the best probably shouldn't be in the NFL. And Richardson, a wonderful talent now entering his third pro season, is the sort to wear his emotions on his sleeve and to speak his mind, which isalways preferable to players who know their team-approved talking points by heart.

Richardson will probably catch hell from those who like to rap the Jets for annually leading the league in offseason confidence. But if he's talking this way, it's because he's genuinely stoked, and not afraid to come right out and say it.

The Jets upgraded their woebegone secondary by adding Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, their onetime mainstays at cornerback and two of the top options on the free-agent market. But they also invested in a slot corner in Buster Skrine, and they added safety Marcus Gilchrist, who can complement Calvin Pryor by playing free safety, which will will allow Pryor to stick to strong safety, his more natural position.

Richardson led the Jets with eight sacks last year, and their defensive ranked fourth in Football Outsiders' adjusted sack rate metric. But because the secondary was such a mess, the Jets were only 21st in DVOA.

Now?

"It'll be a lot more coverage sacks, I'll put it like that," Richardson said.

The Jets also locked down veteran inside linebacker David Harris before Harris could hit free agency. Richardson, who admitted he felt Harris might follow Ryan to the Bills if given the chance, is excited about that, too.

"Him coming back, not having to deal with a rookie or a new guy coming in, man, and not knowing where he's going to be on the field, with Dave, you always know he's going to be around the ball," Richardson said. "That's just something that I was elated about."

"Offensively and defensively, we made moves that I feel like that progressed this team forward, and I feel like Jet Nation feels the same way."

Richardson also made it clear he thinks Revis is the top corner in the league. And he explained why.

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"My rookie year, his first [four or five] games, that was the film I was watching," Richardson said. "And I've never seen a man on one side of the field like that, no matter who they think they are."

Offensively, the Jets added guard James Carpenter, and they traded forwideout Brandon Marshall and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will compete with Geno Smith for the starting job. The Jets haven't ruled outadding another quarterback, either.

Quarterback, of course, is still the same concern it always seems to be for the Jets. But it's April, there's optimism, and Sheldon Richardson is giddy about the Jets' prospects nonetheless.

"Now we can actually go, as a group, [what we were] trying to do in previous years, we can do that now," Richardson said. "This is going to be a great season. I strongly feel like this is going to be a great season for us."

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How would Geno Smith react if Jets drafted Marcus Mariota? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advanced Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/how_would_geno_smith_react_if_jets_drafted_marcus.html

Amid all the questions about whether the Jets will draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota -- presuming he is available to them with the sixth pick -- is another interesting, albeit not pressing, question.

What would the Jets' incumbent starter, Geno Smith, think if the organization picked Mariota?

Not that Smith has any say in the matter. And it's not like Smith has done a whole lot in his first two seasons to give the Jets confidence that he can be their quarterback of the future.

Which is why you're seeing all this chatter about the Jets perhaps drafting Mariota.

Anyway, the Jets opened offseason workouts Monday, and Smith marked the occasion by speaking to reporters on a conference call.

Not surprisingly, Smith dodged a question about what he'd think if the Jets picked Mariota, and if such a selection might concern Smith. (It's a question Smith has been asked before, and likely will be asked again.)

"Whoever we draft is going to obviously be someone who's going to help out this team," Smith said. "I look forward to seeing all the guys that we do draft because I think that this team is only going to continue to grow. So as long as we continue to just focus on what we have in front of us and the task at hand, when those days come about, we'll see what happens. And then we'll go from there."

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Jets' Nick Mangold has conflicting emotions about Rex Ryan coaching Buffalo Bills (Darryl Slater) NJ Advanced Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/how_does_jets_nick_mangold_feel_about_rex_ryan_coa.html

Jets center Nick Mangold has been with the organization since he was drafted in 2006.

So he has seen plenty of change over that time.

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And now Mangold is going through more change, as the Jets this offseason brought in a new general manager, Mike Maccagnan, and new head coach, Todd Bowles.

For Mangold, one thing was constant since 2009 -- the presence of head coach Rex Ryan, who remained in the AFC East after the Jets fired him. Ryan now coaches the Bills.

So what does Mangold think of all that?

Ryan's Jets players loved him, but now they'll try to beat him twice every regular season.

"Obviously, happy for Rex," Mangold said Monday during a conference call with reporters, as the Jets began offseason workouts. "I'm excited for him and I hope that he does well, but not that well."

Diplomatically stated by Mangold.

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What did Jets' Geno Smith gain from working with quarterbacks guru Tom House? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/what_did_jets_geno_smith_gain_from_working_with_qu.html

As he tries to take a step forward in Year 3, Geno Smith worked with widely respected quarterbacks coach Tom House this offseason.

Smith's first two seasons as the Jets' starting quarterback were up and down -- mostly down -- and now he finds himself preparing for a training camp competition with veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The Jets began offseason workouts Monday, and Smith said on a conference call with reporters that he spent part of his offseason training in California with House.

Smith was talking about throwing balls in the offseason to some of the Jets' young wide receivers, including second-year pros Shaq Evans and Quincy Enunwa, when Smith brought up the fact that he had consulted with House.

"I was training with Tom House out in California," Smith said. "I had the luxury of having those guys [younger Jets receivers] come out and work with me. The offseason program has gone well. I worked extremely hard on improving my mechanics and some of the things that I thought I needed to improve on from last season, that I could work on without being in the [Jets' formal] team structure."

"I heard about [House's] name a few times when I was coming out of college. I always thought about working with him. I just never really had an opportunity. This past offseason, I had the opportunity to work with him, and was very pleased with the work that we were able to do, and the progress that I made."

Smith later clarified that he didn't overhaul his mechanics while working with House.

"I didn't change anything," he said. "It's not a thing as to where I needed to change anything [with mechanics]. But it was basically just going out there to work out and get better. And that's what we accomplished."

House was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1971-78. He then became a successful and innovative pitching coach. House has also recently worked with several prominent quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Tim Tebow.

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Because the Jets are still early in their offseason program, Smith isn't entirely sure what to expect from new coordinator Chan Gailey's offense. But Smith has already done some work to familiarize himself with the Jets' new big-name receiver, Brandon Marshall.

"Brandon and I, we've gotten out on the field on our own and have done some things," Smith said. "Really just talked over things [with Marshall this offseason] and ran through routes and started to develop a chemistry and a bond with one another."

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T.J. Clemmings, possible first-round pick, to attend Jets local pro day (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/tj_clemmings_possible_first-round_pick_to_attend_j.html

Offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings, a projected late-first or early-second-round draft pick, is expected to be among the numerous players the Jets will host at their local, invitation-only pro day on Friday, according to a source.

Clemmings, who measured in at 6-foot-5, 309 pounds at February's NFL Scouting Combine, was a first-team all-ACC and a second-team All-American last season at Pitt, where he was a redshirt senior. He played right tackle before switching to left tackle during the Senior Bowl. A converted defensive lineman, Clemmings is also a native of Teaneck and a Paterson Catholic grad.

The Jets have the No. 6 pick in the draft, and while they're widely expected to take a quarterback or an edge rusher first, they also have four more selections in the draft's seven rounds. General manager Mike Maccagnan has said repeatedly the Jets' aim is to select the best player available, and while they have a need for a tackle, they could view Clemmings as a possible option at No. 37 overall in the second round, should Clemmings fall that far.

CBSSports.com's NFL Draft Scout rates Clemmings as the fifth-best offensive tackle in the draft, and while some mock drafts have him getting selected as high as the 18th overall pick, mock drafts are total guesswork. Mike Mayock of NFL Media does like Clemmings a lot, however.

The Jets have starters D'Brickashaw Ferguson on the left side and Breno Giacomini on the right, and while Ferguson still plays at an above-average level, he is entering his 10th season and it can never hurt to begin preparing for an eventual future without him.

Then again, meeting with or hosting a high-end prospect—especially one with North Jersey ties—is also par for the course for draft preparation. So while there may be something to Clemmings' presence at One Jets Drive on Friday, it also might not mean a whole lot, either. 'Tis the season.

According to NFL Media, Clemmings also has pre-draft visits set up with the Broncos, Saints, and Rams. The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that the Bears would host Clemmings, too.

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Muhammad Wilkerson a no-show for Jets offseason program, source confirms (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media April 6, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/04/muhammad_wilkerson_a_no-show_for_jets_offseason_pr.html

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It's not even 9 a.m. on the first Monday in April, and the Jets already have their first meaningless controversy of the 2015 season.

A source confirmed that defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson did not show at One Jets Drive for Day 1 of the team's offseason program, which began Monday under new head coach Todd Bowles. Wilkerson's absence is believed to be related to his contract situation. It was first reported by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, who also added the cryptic detail that Wilkerson "might not be around for a while."

Wilkerson, one of the Jets' best players and one of the league's top defensive linemen, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He and the team have had talks toward working out an extension, but general manager Mike Maccagnan has said not to expect a new deal to get done until after the draft that takes place later this month.

But here's why Wilkerson's absence isn't a big deal, you shouldn't be concerned, and this is not a sign Wilkerson is being GREEDY: The offseason program is entirely voluntary. It's also Phase 1 of the program, which limits activities to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation, in addition to classroom instruction. In other words, this isn't anything like Darrelle Revis' old holdout battles with the Jets. And if there's a player who can afford to miss this phase of the program while working out on his own, it's Wilkerson, who's using what little leverage he has with his absence.

Nothing is mandatory until minicamp, which doesn't take place until June 9-11.

Wilkerson is scheduled to make $6.9 million this season after the team picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. That figure is far below what Wilkerson could command on the open market. But Wilkerson has also watched as the Jets have handed out a truckload of guaranteed money this offseason, including $39 million to cover Revis' return. Wilkerson's next deal could approach (without quite reaching) the $50 million in guarantees J.J. Watt got last year from the Texans. Owner Woody Johnson has identified a new Wilkerson contract as a priority, and Maccagnan has made it clear the Jets have the resources to get one done. Chances are, they eventually will.

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NEW YORK POST

Jets’ Wilkerson skipping workouts while seeking payday (Paul Schwartz) New York Post April 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/04/06/jets-wilkerson-skipping-workouts-while-seeking-payday/

It is the dawn of a new day for the Jets.

On Monday, they opened their offseason workout program, the first under the direction of new head coach Todd Bowles, but one of their key players did not make an appearance at the team facility.

Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was not in attendance and isn’t planning on taking part in the workouts anytime soon.

Wilkerson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and wants a new deal. The Jets are trying to work one out, but no agreement has been reached — and might not be until after the NFL draft the first week of May. The fifth-year option on Wilkerson’s existing contract pays him $6.97 million, but as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL, he stands to make a financial killing if and when his new deal is finalized. Until then, he likely will not be seen around the Jets’ workout program. His agent, Chad Weisling, indicated Wilkerson plans to continue working out on his own, away from the team.

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These workouts are voluntary, so Wilkerson cannot be punished for not attending them.

Re-signing Wilkerson is a priority for first-year general manager Mike Maccagnan, and there is little doubt a deal will get done. Given his status, figure Wilkerson will want at least $15 million per year.

“We’re going to take a look at Mo; Mo’s obviously a great player,’’ Jets owner Woody Johnson said last month at the NFL owners meetings. “In terms of getting all that going, I’m sure that will be one of their priorities.”

The Jets are one of three teams to get a jump on offseason workouts, because clubs with new head coaches are allowed to begin their workouts earlier than the rest of the league. The Jets with Bowles, the Falcons with new coach Dan Quinn and the Bills with old friend Rex Ryan all started up Monday. Later this week, the 49ers (with Jim Tomsula) and the Raiders (with Jack Del Rio) are scheduled to begin their workouts. The other teams with new head coaches (Bears with John Fox, Broncos with Gary Kubiak) begin next Monday. The other 25 teams, including the Giants, start their workouts April 20.

The first phase of the workouts are limited to two weeks of strength and conditioning and rehab.

Calvin Pryor, coming off a rough rookie year, told the Jets’ website he is going back to playing strong safety, a position he excelled at while at Louisville, after taking most of his first-year snaps at free safety.

“So, I’m going back to my old self, doing what I do, being down in the box,” Pryor said.

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Geno Smith on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s built-in advantage New York Post April 6, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/04/06/geno-smith-on-ryan-fitzpatrciks-built-in-advantage/

Geno Smith has a starting quarterback job to hold onto, but also a new offense to learn and competition from a veteran already well-versed in the system.

Among the Jets’ many offseason additions is Ryan Fitzpatrick, a 32-year old entering his 11th NFL season, a player with extensive experience in the system to be installed by Chan Gailey, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. Smith has plenty to overcome as he attempts to convince Gailey and first-year head coach Todd Bowles he is the right man for the job.

“Well, Ryan does know the system and he definitely is going to be a guy who can help all of us,’’ Smith said Monday on a conference call as the Jets gathered on the first day of their offseason workout program. “If anyone has a question he’s definitely open to answering and giving advice. He has been in the system and he has obviously played under Chan Gailey, so as of right now we’re all studying this thing together and I know Ryan … may have a better of understanding of some things, but he’s always willing to help and that’s very fortunate for all of us.’’

Smith’s two seasons operating Marty Mornhinweg’s West Coast offense produced some good, some bad and some ugly and now Smith must master the spread offense Gailey has used at his various NFL stops. Smith said he spent part of his offseason in California throwing to second-year Jets receivers Shaq Evans and Quincy Enunwa, and he also revealed he sought the advice of Tom House, the former major league pitcher who has become a guru to many top quarterbacks, including Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Carson Palmer.

House specializes in throwing mechanics.

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“I had the opportunity to work with him and was very pleased getting in the work we were able to do and the progress we made,’’ said Smith, who added he “worked extremely hard on improving my mechanics’’ but stressed “I didn’t change anything, it’s not a thing where I needed to change anything. It was basically just going there to work out and get better.’’

Even with Smith and Fitzpatrick, the Jets — with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL draft — could be in play for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

“Whoever we draft is going to obviously be someone who is going to help out this team,’’ Smith said. “I look forward to seeing all the guys we do draft because I think this team is only going to continue to grow. When those days come about we’ll see what happens and we’ll go from there.’’

Bowles, the former Cardinals defensive coordinator, spoke to the Jets for the first time as a head coach as the team gathered for the opening of its offseason workout program.

“He’s got a great passion, really excited about being the head coach, his vision for the team,’’ center Nick Mangold said.

Defensive end Sheldon Richardson set a lofty goal on the first day of workouts.

“We strongly feel like we’re going to be the top defense in the league — and top team in the league, not just defense,” Richardson told the Jets’ website.Receiver Jeremy Kerley on the new offense: “I had a chance to kind of play around in the offense when I was in the Senior Bowl. We were running the Bills offense. It’s something different, but different can be good if you utilize it the right way.’’

Mangold on Rex Ryan, now the Bills head coach: “Obviously happy for Rex. I hope that he does well, but not that well.’’

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sheldon Richardson says Jets defense will be NFL’s best in 2015 (Seth Walder) New York Daily News April 7, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-richardson-gang-green-best-article-1.2175777

Rex Ryan may be gone, but his bravado has been instilled in Sheldon Richardson. Now part of a roster stacked with reinforcements, Richardson set a high bar for the 2015 Jets.

“We strongly feel like we’re going to be the top defense in the league — and top team in the league, not just defense,” Richardson said in an interview on the team’s website Monday as the Jets began their spring workout program.

Those are strong words about a team that won four games last season. But now this Jets team boasts Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Brandon Marshall, all filling areas of weakness from a season ago.

“We just have weapons everywhere,” Jeremy Kerley added later.

Kerley might have been laughed out of the room if he said that the past couple of years. And while it’s still a bit of an exaggeration on offense, it does show that fresh off the team’s offseason bonanza some players are brimming with confidence about this upcoming year.

SMITH GOES IN HOUSE

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To be the best team in the league, as Richardson forecasted, the Jets are going to have to get more out of the quarterback position. And if it ends up being Geno Smith at quarterback, he unquestionably has to be better.

To do that, Smith sought help from the man who helps Tom Brady.

The Jets quarterback said that he spent time this offseason working out with Tom House, who is Brady’s personal coach. House also has worked with Tim Tebow recently.

“I heard his name a few times when I was coming out of college,” Smith said of House. “I always thought about working with him. I just never really had an opportunity. This past offseason, I had the opportunity to work with him and was very pleased getting in the work that we were able to do and the progress that I made.”

Smith, who was joined by Quincy Enunwa and Shaq Evans for the workouts in California, said he didn’t make any mechanical changes when working with House.

“I didn’t change anything,” he said. “Basically just going out there to work out and get better.”

Of course, Smith may not be the starter because he’ll face competition from Ryan Fitzpatrick and likely a quarterback to be named later. Smith acknowledged that Fitzpatrick had a better understanding of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s system but described the veteran as someone he could “lean on and talk to.” As for Marcus Mariota? Smith danced around a question about the Oregon quarterback that could be a draft target for the Jets.

Smith threw for 2,525 yards with 13 interceptions and 13 touchdowns in 14 games last season, but he didn’t want to talk about his past. Asked how he would assess his season last year, Smith said, “We were 4-12 as a team and it wasn’t good enough.”

MANGOLD TALKS REX

Nick Mangold said he was happy that Ryan landed another head coaching job. “Hope he does well, but not that well,” Mangold said... Calvin Pryor said on the team’s website that he’ll be playing strong safety this year... Miami offensive tackle Ereck Flowers will take a pre-draft visit.

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Mo Wilkerson, a no-show at Jets voluntary off-season program, deserves to cash in (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News April 6, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mo-wilkerson-no-show-jets-offseason-program-article-1.2174782

Muhammad Wilkerson’s no-show at the start of the Jets voluntary off-season program Monday was the type of silent protest that revealed the obvious: His patience has run out.

The star defensive lineman played the good soldier last year, hoping his big pay day would come as other standouts at his position cashed in. Wilkerson, a company man from the moment the Jets drafted him in the first round four years ago, made a significant statement by staying away from the team facility on the first day new head coach Todd Bowles met players.

Wilkerson might be a nasty S.O.B. on the field, but his professional disposition off it in the face of constant questions about his contract last year showed a fair amount of restraint. He never whined, complained or moaned in 2014 when it would have been justified after defensive linemen J.J. Watt and Robert Quinn landed mega-deals last year.

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“Do I feel that I’m underpaid right now? Yeah,” Wilkerson told the Daily News in training camp last summer. “But that’s part of the business.”

There were few topics that irked Wilkerson more last season than his financial future. What more could he say? Common sense told you that he was ticked off even if those words never tumbled out of his mouth.

The Daily News has learned that Wilkerson doesn’t plan on returning to the team facility anytime soon. He won’t participate in Phase One of the Jets voluntary program centered on two weeks of strength and conditioning. It’s unclear whether he’ll join the team for Phase Two, a three-week period that includes on-field instruction with coaches, or the team’s voluntary veteran minicamp from April 28-30.

“Muhammad will not be attending the Jets voluntary workouts that began (Monday),” Wilkerson’s agent Chad Wiestling said in a statement. “Muhammad has been engaged in a workout program with his personal trainer since February, and believes that continuing with his current program will put him in the best physical shape for the 2015 season.”

Wilkerson, who had a career-high 10 1/2 sacks in 2013 before being hampered by a turf toe injury last season, isn’t subject to fines for skipping these voluntary sessions. The first mandatory event will be minicamp from June 9-11.

Former general manager John Idzik exercised Wilkerson’s fifth-year team option worth $6.97 million last spring. Idzik’s negotiations for a long-term deal (shockingly) crawled along at a snail’s pace.

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MONDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL American League

BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Designated RHP Ryan Webb for assignment. Selected the contract of C Ryan Lavarnway from Norfolk (IL).

BOSTON RED SOX — Agreed to terms with RHP Rick Porcello on a four-year contract from 2016-19.

TAMPA BAY RAYS — Agreed to terms with RHP Bradin Hagens and LHP Scott Diamond on minor league contracts.

TEXAS RANGERS — Optioned LHP Alex Claudio and RHP Jon Edwards to Round Rock (PCL). Agreed to terms with LHP Wandy Rodriguez on a minor league contract and assigned him to Round Rock.

National League

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Optioned LHPs Vidal Nuno and Robbie Ray to Reno (PCL) and RHP Enrique Burgos to Mobile (SL). Traded OF Victor Reyes to Atlanta for a 2015 competitive balance round B draft pick.

ATLANTA BRAVES — Placed LHP Josh Outman on the 60-day DL. Recalled RHP Brandon Cunniff from Gwinnett (IL). Designated OF Carlos Quentin for assignment.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Loaned RHP Juan Ramon Noriega to Acereros del Norte (Mexico).

NEW YORK METS — Placed OF Cesar Puello on the 15-day DL, retroactive to April 3. Transferred LHP Josh Edgin to the 60-day DL. Selected the contract of RHP Buddy Carlyle from Las Vegas (PCL).

American Association

FARGO-MOORHEAD REDHAWKS — Signed RHP Steven Thompson.

GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS — Signed OF Zachary Zdanowicz.

LAREDO LEMURS — Signed LHP Luis Pollorena.

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SIOUX FALLS CANARIES — Signed RHP Shawn Blackwell.

ST. PAUL SAINTS — Signed RHP Alan Oaks. Released OF Chad Mozingo.

Atlantic League

LONG ISLAND DUCKS — Signed RHPs Mark Rogers and Amalio Diaz and LHP Carmine Giardina.

Can-Am League

NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Signed INF Matt Wessinger.

OTTAWA CHAMPIONS — Signed INF Roberto C. Ramirez.

QUEBEC CAPITALES — Signed INF Tyler Young.

ROCKLAND BOULDERS — Signed RHP/1B Charlie Law.

SUSSEX COUNTY MINERS — Signed RHP Tony Amezcua.

Frontier League

GATEWAY GRIZZLIES — Signed LHP Kerry Kelley to a contract extension. Signed RHP David Murillo.

FRONTIER GREYS — Signed RHP Ariel Hernandez.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS MINERS — Signed RHP Adam Lopez.

TRAVERSE CITY BEACH BUMS — Signed C Shane Rowland.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association

BROOKLYN NETS — Signed F Earl Clark to a multiyear contract.

UTAH JAZZ — Recalled F Grant Jerrett from Idaho (NBADL).

WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Signed G Will Bynum for the remainder of the season.

Women's National Basketball Association

NEW YORK LIBERTY — Re-signed F Swin Cash.

FOOTBALL National Football League

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Signed WR Denarius Moore.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed LS Kevin McDermott.

Canadian Football League

TORONTO ARGONAUTS — Signed DB Jacob Lacey.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS — Signed WR Kashif Montgomery and DB Gabe Lynn.

HOCKEY National Hockey League

DETROIT RED WINGS — Reassigned RW Zach Nastasiuk from Owen Sound (OHL) to Grand Rapids (AHL). Recalled RW Landon Ferraro from Grand Rapids.

SAN JOSE SHARKS — Recalled F Bryan Lerg from Worcester (AHL). Assigned F Chris Crane from Worcester to Allen (ECHL).

American Hockey League

NORFOLK ADMIRALS — Returned F Alex MacMillan to Utah (ECHL).

OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS — Recalled G Ty Rimmer from Bakersfield (ECHL).

Daily Clips Cont.

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ROCHESTER AMERICANS — Returned G Pat Nagle to Fort Wayne (ECHL).

ECHL

ECHL — Suspended Allen F Vincent Arseneau one game and Greenville F Paul Rodrigues two games.

COLORADO EAGLES — Loaned G Jacob DeSerres to Adirondack (AHL).

ELMIRA JACKALS — Loaned D Steven Shamanski to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) and F Taylor Stefishen to Adirondack (AHL).

FLORIDA EVERBLADES — Released G Andy Iles and F Mark McGowan.

FORT WAYNE KOMETS — Released G Larkin Saalfrank as emergency backup.

SOUTH CAROLINA STINGRAYS — Loaned G Keegan Asmundson to Hershey (AHL).

TULSA OILERS — Released G Ian Keserich as emergency backup.

WHEELING NAILERS — Claimed D Sean Erickson off waivers from Rapid City.

MOTORSPORTS

INDYCAR — Penalized Chevrolet 220 points for a non-minor engine repair following last week's race in St. Petersburg, Fla.

SOCCER National Women's Soccer League

CHICAGO RED STARS — Signed Fs Arin Gilliland, Danielle Colaprico and Sofia Huerta.

TENNIS

USTA — Named Martin Blackman general manager of player development.

COLLEGE

ALABAMA — Named Avery Johnson men's basketball coach.

FLORIDA STATE — Announced men's basketball G Dayshawn Watkins will transfer at the end of the academic year.

HAMLINE — Named Natalie Darwitz women's hockey coach.

MINNESOTA — Announced C Amanda Zahui B. will enter the WNBA draft.

NEW MEXICO — Named Missy Strasburgh and Karley Nelson women's assistant soccer coach and Brad Keller director of women's soccer operations.

POST (CONN.) — Added men's and women's ice hockey programs to begin play in the 2015-16 academic year.

SIU EDWARDSVILLE — Named Jon Harris men's basketball coach.

UCLA — Announced F Kevon Looney will enter the NBA draft.

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