Jets release Coles; receiver considering retirement
Laveranues Coles’ reunion with the New York Jets has ended prematurely as the team announced that they have released the wide receiver. The 32-year-old was brought in for his third run with the Jets to add roster depth.
The Jets also said that they would consider bringing Coles back after the first week of the season. The reason for this is that the Jets signed Coles to a one-year $850,000 contract and if Coles made the opening day roster, that money would have been guaranteed. If the Jets bring him back after week one then they won’t have to guarantee anyone. Coles made a positive impression with the Jets’ coaches and the new players.
"He did an outstanding job for us," Jets head coach Rex Ryan said. "He's a leader. He came in here and I know he knows the system. He's tougher than nails. He's a great teammate."
The team needed some depth at wide receiver as their big off-season wide receiver acquisition Santonio Holmes is suspended for the first four games of the season. Coles was signed mainly to act as a possible replacement and there was a possibility of him being cut once Holmes returns.
While the Jets sound like they’re willing to bring Coles back again, Coles does not seem to be willing to do so. He’s now considering retirement. Coles said the only way he would keep playing is if he was offered a contract he wanted and if he could play a significant role on a team.
“I think I'm done,” Coles said. “I don't want to become one of those journeyman football players. I don't need the money. Coach (Ryan) said I was doing well and they want to bring me back after the first game but I don't know. I don't think that's something I want to do.”
Coles has had a solid career, most of which he has spent with the Jets. He is fourth all-time on the Jets receiving list with 459 catches (as a Jet). He has posted career totals of 674 receptions with 8,609 yards and 49 touchdowns.
He has had three runs with the Jets. He started his career in 2000 with New York before joining the Washington Redskins after three seasons. He returned to the Jets two years later when the Redskins traded him for Santana Moss. Coles then left as a free agent last season signing with Cincinnati. He struggled last season and found himself with the Jets again. This now is likely his last run with the team.
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