Bart Scott Seeking Trade

Added on Feb 28, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The leader of the Jets defense for the last three seasons wants out. Linebacker Bart Scott has asked for and been given permission by team officials to seek a trade. Reduced playing time in 2011 and confusion about his role on the defense has compelled the former Pro Bowler to shop his talents. Scott, who took a pay cut this past season, is guaranteed his $4.2 million salary in 2012, so releasing him would be unwise.

Scott has three years left on the six-year, $48 million contract he inked in 2009. He was critical to helping transform the Jets defense into one of the league’s best during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. His familiarity with Rex Ryan’s 3-4 Ravens scheme proved invaluable.

However, Scott’s play in 2011 was uncharacteristically uneven. His combined tackles total was his lowest since 2004 and he was often removed from the lineup on third downs due to poor coverage skills. At 31, he began to show signs of wear and tear, which may or may not have been exacerbated by the truncated offseason.

In his prime, Scott was a disruptive three-down backer with a penchant for making impact plays. Starting alongside Ray Lewis in Baltimore from 2005-2008, Scott earned a solid reputation for his lateral quickness and sound tackling technique. His production with the Jets slipped slightly, but his leadership on the field and in the locker room mirrored Ryan’s brash attitude.

At this stage of his career, Scott might not find many suitors willing to offer much in the way of compensation via a trade, and then pay his hefty salary. Of course, he still believes he can play at a high level and appears motivated to prove his doubters wrong.

Dallas, Washington and San Diego have linebacker needs and all three run a 3-4 defense. Whether or not they or any other team would be willing to swing a deal remains to be seen, but if the price is reasonable, it’s likely Scott will be playing elsewhere come August.

Source: NY Daily News