Rumor around the league is that Mark Brunell has a handshake agreement in place with the Jets, and he'll sign with the team as soon as he is able to. The Jets are handicapped by the same "final 8" rule that the Saints have been dealing with in free agency. Simply put, they cannot sign an unrestricted free agent unless they lose one of their own. That regulation comes to an end on July 22nd, at which point the Jets would be free to sign Brunell. Some believe this is a foregone conclusion, and the official announcement of the signing will be made once July 22nd passes.
Personally, this bothers me zero. Brunell made it clear in his start against Carolina last year that he's done. I've met him before and he's a super nice guy, a smart player, and he has a decorated career. But, at this point, I don't think he's capable of coming in and holding down the fort should something happen... I'm not even going to finish that sentence. Let's face it, the guy is 40 in September and it's time to move on. Right now Chase Daniel is Brunell's heir as the #2 quarterback, but Times-Picayune press continues to suggest a veteran will be added to the mix eventually. Like the Jets, I think the Saints are waiting till July 22nd so they are free from the shackles of the uncapped season free agent market. Based on the visits that went well with Patrick Ramsey and Josh McCown, I believe one of those two men will be the backup. While I think McCown is the better quarterback of the two, word has it Ramsey had the superior visit. My prediction is the Saints will sign Patrick Ramsey on July 23rd. Stay tuned...