Coles Reunion?

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Bengals released veteran WR Laveranues Coles. Coles, the 11-year vet out of Florida State, played 7 seasons in Green and White. According to Dave Hutchinson of the Newark Star Ledger, Coles never wanted to leave the Jets in 2009, and the Jets would be the first team he would call if they were interested in signing him. Now, all Jets fans know that Coles is a tough WR that isn't afraid of going over the middle to catch the tough passes. However, this has caused Coles to get banged up a lot, suffering from numerous concussions over the years. Although he does get banged up a lot, he rarely misses any playing time. This could change now that Coles is getting up there in years and he could be one injury/concussion away from being forced into retirement.


Coles stated that Bengals' QB Carson Palmer never developed a good rhythm with him and was never comfortable throwing to him. Coles had one of his least productive seasons last year, catching 43 passes for 512 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, that type of production would be exactly what the Jets would be looking for in a slot WR in their "ground and pound" offense.

The biggest questions regarding the Jets possibly bringing back LC would be the type of money he is asking for and the role he wants to play. If Coles would accept a 1-2 year deal worth about $2 million a year to play in the slot, I could see the Jets making the move to sign him. The main reason why the Jets and Coles parted ways in 2009 was money, and I could see that being a problem again. Does Coles still think he is worth starting WR money, or will he accept a reduced role as the Jets 3rd WR?

Anyway, I'm sure Tannenbaum will be looking into this, as the Brad Smith and David Clowney experiments seems to be over at WR, since neither have been very productive over the past 2 seasons. Coles would be a short-term fix, so if he is signed, I don't think it would stop the Jets from possibly looking for a younger WR in this year's draft.