File Under: Shaun Ellis, Kerry Rhodes, Cleveland Browns, Abram Elam, Rex Ryan, Calvin Pace, offer sheet
03/17 — “Big Play Abe" isn't going anywhere.
The Jets today matched an offer sheet that restricted free agent Abram Elam signed with the Cleveland Browns last week, ensuring Elam will remain with the Green & White in 2009.
The 6’0”, 207-pound safety, who started a career-high nine games last season, recorded 56 tackles (43 solo), two sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. He also was a valuable special teams performer, tying for sixth on the team with 11 tackles.
After appearing in 15 games with the Dallas Cowboys during the 2006 season, Elam signed with the Jets on Sept. 12, 2007. In his first two seasons with New York's AFC representative, he appeared in 27 games and made eight starts at safety. His cumulative numbers over that time included 65 defensive tackles plus 22 special teams stops.
But Elam’s career breakthrough took place last season. He scored his first professional touchdown in the 26-17 win at Buffalo, returning a Trent Edwards pass 92 yards for a touchdown. His strip-sack against the Rams produced Calvin Pace's scoop-and-score.
Elam tallied 10 tackles and a forced fumble in a trouncing of the previously 10-0 Tennessee Titans. And his blitz off the blind side and strip sack of J.P. Losman enabled Shaun Ellis to return a fumble for the go-ahead TD with 1:54 to play in the 31-27 home win over the Bills.
It was no surprise that the Browns were interested in Elam. Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini served as the Jets’ head coach from 2006-08 and had the opportunity to watch him develop as a player.
The signing of Elam, who also has been a quality addition in the Jets community relations program under Jesse Linder, means the Jets have more options and more depth at safety. Kerry Rhodes and the recently acquired Jim Leonhard could start and Eric Smith also returns. But head coach and defensive mastermind Rex Ryan will find packages for the hard-hitting Elam, who has excelled inside the box.
Tony B Said:
Fri, March 20, 2009 - 1:14am ET"How many no named T.E, had career days against the Jets last year. Truth be told nobody covered a T.E. last year.My question is how much of an up grade has been made? You mean to tell me this guy is that much better? Well only time will tell but I dont think so. Leon Wash is not an every down back. 12 to 15 carries a game will be about right. Giving him the ball much more than that will be playing"
Tony B Said:
Fri, March 20, 2009 - 1:29am ET"My point is this in the case of aplayer like B. Moore here s a guy who s been with the org. 6 plus yrs. developed into a solid player then they let him walk away. After spending so much money on your line a yr. ago how could that happen? Only to end up over paying some other player.Here s aguy who had bad contacts his whole career then when he finally had a chance to get paid they let him walk."
jay wagner Said:
Sun, March 22, 2009 - 1:29pm ET"http://j-e-t-s-jets.blogspot.com/ Abram Elam is exactly the type of player I want on my team. For some reason the popular opinion seems to be that because we now have Leonhard and Rhodes as our starting safety’s we have no need to think about quality depth. This player is in his prime and positioned to have a real break out year. He is relatively inexpensive and proved he can be a playmaker las"
Ira Said:
Tue, March 17, 2009 - 4:22pm ET"EA, I could never understand how eric never gave Elam a shot in camp at the stsrting spot. Smith was handed that job. Thats why i was so surprised when the Browns made him that offer. I am so happy they matched. As you wrote he was the big part of 3 bug TD's for the Jets. I except the same and more from Abe this year."
Offensive Comment?