The Jets Add Alan Faneca and Some Veteran Presence to Their Offensive Line

The Jets noticeably lacked guard Pete Kendall last year. Getting that talent back at guard was a priority this offseason, and with so many young faces on the line a veteran would serve far more good than a rookie. So the soon-to-be signing of Alan Faneca, the best offensive lineman on the market, is cause for Jets fans to celebrate.

Faneca's deal -- believed to be four years for $32 million with $23 million in guaranteed cash -- is a pretty good bargain considering the rising costs of mediocre guards, and the Jets will get more value even after Faneca is gone.

On top of his toughness and tenacity, traits the Jets sorely lacked last year, Faneca will do an awful lot for the Jets' youth. On the left side, Faneca will reside between tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold, both third-year players. The duo will probably learn quite a bit from Faneca while he plays out the tail end of an excellent career. And in the meantime, that's a pretty nice left side to trot out.

This is a perfect fit for both sides, and something that will make between-the-tackles runner Thomas Jones a little happier.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-29-2008 @ 10:11PM

P.J. said...

The Giants are losing all there players,Jerry Reese HELLO!

2-29-2008 @ 10:17PM

Weeg said...

Faneca is an outstanding lineman, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for him to become a mentor for younger players. There was never any indication that helped the development of younger linemen in Pittsburgh, many of whom have underperformed. Faneca had his best years when he lined up next to one or another Pro Bowl center who provided the glue for the unit. Training camp stories from Latrobe used to suggest that Faneca didn't have a lot of patience for rookies. That attitude really came out when Roethlisberger had to step in as starter his first year after Tommy Maddox went down. Co-captain Faneca didn't bother to hide his feelings when asked whether it was exciting to see the QB of the future get a shot: "Exciting? No, it's not exciting. Do you want to go to work with some little kid who's just out of college?" Way to boost the kid's confidence, Cap.

Still, he's a heckuva a lineman and a great pick-up for the Jets.

2-29-2008 @ 10:35PM

Dave said...

Very good run blocker, above average with pass blocking but definitely on the downhill side of his career. Not nearly the player he was 2 or 3 years ago. The Steelers will miss him as the rest of their line is weak, but don't think this means the Jets will hammer on opponents just because they signed Faneca-they won't.

2-29-2008 @ 11:11PM

luby said...

sounds like black and gold sour grapes

2-29-2008 @ 11:33PM

mike said...

Big Steeler fan here. We'll miss Faneca as a community oriented person. Great role model for kids, good clean athlete. We've been missing his great playing for a couple of years now. Above average run blocker and frankly, usually overmatched pass blocker. Not sure? Check out many of the Steelers' sacks given up last year. Faneca was turned around, watching the sack many, many times.

3-02-2008 @ 10:32AM

Joe said...

Only the Rooneys would let a future Hall of Fame player like Faneca leave over money while signing Max Stark a benched tackle for 1.1 million less.

The Rooneys are beyond just being cheap. Penny wise Pound foolish.

3-01-2008 @ 5:51PM

Rick Vogt said...

They are pretty much telling it like it is Lube-job. If you knew anything about the Steelers you would see the accuracy in their comments. Instead you choose to flap your gums about which you nothing about. The Steelers usually let guys go who are on the wrong side of 30 without caving to rediculous contract demands. Joey Porter was the latest example and that's working out great for the Dolphins cap stategy. While Faneca still has some game left he will be past his prime when the final 2 years of his deal kick in. What these people are saying doesn't sound like sour grapes but rather, the truth.

3-02-2008 @ 1:12PM

cathyrlpn said...

I wish nothing but the best for Alan and his family. It's a shame that the Rooney's can't open their wallet for someone as good as Alan. Ben gets a huge contract/Stark's got a big contract; but someone like Alan they blow off. Maybe if Alan would have keep his comments to himself, and not tarnished the Rooney empire they would have cared. I am glad he spoke his mind-makes him his own person.
I will miss him but I hope nothing but the best for him---good luck Alan and God be with you.

8-17-2008 @ 6:16PM

Georgia Anne Faneca said...

I am very excited about Brett Favre and Alan Faneca being on the same team. We live in Gulfport, Mississippi and are related to Alan. For years we have cheered for him. Now we are glad that two of our favorite players are on the same team, and both are on the offence.