Jul 25th 2008 11:41AM by Ryan Wilson (author feed)
Filed under: Jets, AFC East
One of the Jets’ biggest problems last season was the defense’s inability to rush the passer. Stopping the run was a bigger issue, and the offense’s struggles to score points didn’t help things, either, but, hey, Eric Mangini can’t be expected to fix in one offseason. Or can he?*

Anyway, the Jets have signed first-round pick, outside linebacker Vernon Gholston, which hopefully means the pass-rushing concerns are now a thing of the past. Gholston inked a five-year deal that includes $21 million in guaranteed loot. The linebacker’s deal could max out at $50 million if he reaches all of his performance clauses. If the No. 6 pick does not, the deal would still be worth $32.5 million. Now Gholston will continue his transition from college defensive end to NFL linebacker. He’s been compared to Shawne Merriman but without the failed drug tests, and if he approaches Merriman’s production, the Jets will presumably be very, very happy.

Now, for the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle: finding a way to get Brett Favre to New York.

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