Willie Colon re-signs with New York Jets
New York Jets guard Willie Colon (66) during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets seemed prepared to allow veteran guard Willie Colon to walk in free agency, but nobody else decided to sign him. After a limited market for Colon and a lack of better options for the Jets, both sides decided to come together again. The Jets have announced that both sides have signed a deal, but the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed yet. I would be a bit surprised if the 30-year-old didn’t sign a cheap one or two-year deal, especially since he received very little interest and Jets GM John Idzik is always looking for value.
Colon started all 16 games for the Jets last season, and he was a solid guard overall and a very stabilizing presence on the offensive line. There is nothing to dislike about this signing, and the Jets will bring him back after showing interest in Jon Asamoah, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons, in free agency. Although Asamoah is the better player, Colon is the significantly better value for the Jets organization due to his cheaper price tag.
The 2013 season was Colon’s first with the Jets, and he will resume a key leadership role as a quality starter for the team in 2014. It’s going to be interesting to see how fellow guard Brian Winters develops heading into his second season in the league, but re-signing the versatile Colon always made a great deal of sense after the top guards signed elsewhere.