thejetsblog.com » Buzz: McCareins Trade Whispers Heat Up (Again)

NFL insider Dan Pompei had noted in the Chicago Tribune (bottom of page) that the Jets were still in the market of trying to trade Justin McCareins. Remember that McCareins grew up in Illinois, so he or his agent might have ties to the papers there.

It would surprise no one if the Jets were to trade receiver Justin McCareins before the Oct. 16 deadline. The Jets acquired the Naperville North and Northern Illinois alum by trading their second-round pick to the Titans in 2004. Since then, Eric Mangini became the head coach and McCareins has become the odd man out with Jerricho Cotchery taking his role.

My big question is, to whom would the Jets trade McCareins? I am sure that the Jets Front Office has spoken to many teams about the situation, and if anything ever progressed far enough to talk compensation, it's clear that what the Jets want for McCareins and other teams are willing to offer weren't close enough to get the deal done.

The funny thing is, McCareins fabulous offseason (which no one can disprove, since no one saw it) was nice fairy tale, used to embellish his value on the block. But now, after teams have McCareins' tape from the Ravens game, and his weak play to fight for the ball on Pennington's second interception, who would give more than a seventh rounder?