It's been expected since he reported to camp earlier this week but the Jets and Laveranues Coles have come to agreement on a contract extension. The New York Post broke word of the agreement this morning but doesn't have specific details beyond the fact that either two or three years were added on to his deal. Earlier reports were that an extension would be contingent on Coles remaining healthy this season but it would seem those reports are wrong. If there are three years added on to the deal, Coles would be Jets property through 2012 when he'll be 35 years old. There were also murmurings that the Jets were willing to guarantee the next two years of Coles's deal at $11 million but Coles wanted the security of a long-term deal. I've never understood that choice, there's very little long-term security in the NFL, but he got what he wanted.
The move allows the Jets to avoid the internal sniping that consumed them during last summer's camp when Pete Kendall asked for a raise and was refused. That's good PR in the locker room and allows them to focus on actual football matters. Those positives would be negated if the new deal doesn't lessen Coles's cap number and include easy, low-cost ways to back out of the deal if and when his production declines, however.
UPDATE: Upon Further Review, Laveranues Coles May Be Guaranteed Money Not Given an Extension
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