Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass as New York Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace (97) rushes and tight end Lee Smith (85) blocks during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Ummm…..are we supposed to say welcome home now?

It was reported by our buddy Jake Steinberg a few days ago that it was imminent, but this morning, Adam Schefter has reported that it is a done deal. The Jets have brought back outside linebacker Calvin Pace on a one year contract. No financials on the deal were available at timing of this post.

This is a guy that everyone was thrilled to see released, and I don’t think many will be happy to see him return. He showed his age with flying colors last season, with only 3 sacks and 55 tackles, despite the fact that Calvin started all 16 regular season games.

However, at a minimum salary, he could at the very least, be a serviceable mentor for whomever wins the job at OLB. Also, when you look at guys like Mingo, you see a guy that may not be ready to play all 3 downs. Dion Jordan seems to be ready to play every down, but the other candidates might not be.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a veteran of the defense around to show the ropes to the new guys?

Just a thought.

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Bart Scott (57) reacts after a tackle against the New England Patriots during the first half on Thanksgiving at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets began the road to salary cap recovery yesterday, waiving/releasing five players. Two of those players have been prominent faces for the Jets over the past few years, Calvin Pace and Bart Scott. These two moves were not a surprise, as they have clearly passed their primes as players, and have been the faces of an ever slowing down group of Jets linebackers.

But, it hasn’t always been this way. These two players were important cogs in the Jets defense, earlier in their Jets careers. Scott may be re-signed at the minimum, but assuming he isn’t, let’s remember the good sides of these players tonight, starting with Calvin Pace.

When Calvin first arrived with the Jets in 2008, he was an impact pass rusher. He put up back to back seasons of career high sack totals with 7 in 2008 and 8 in Rex Ryan’s first year of 2009. The 8 sacks were also in only 12 games.

Bart Scott was still in pretty top form when he arrived here in 2009 along with Rex Ryan. Not only did he bring his play with him from Baltimore, he brought a new attitude to the Jets. Rex had that attitude on the sideline, Bart had that attitude on the field. It was an attitude that said, “Here comes the Jets!”, and that the Jets had to be counted for. That the Jets were a laughingstock no more.

That first year with Rex Ryan, he posted 92 tackles. We thank both Bart and Calvin for what they brought to the table. And we finish up with our greatest memory of Bart Scott:

For that alone, the attitude change around the Jets, we thank Bart Scott.

Nov. 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Bart Scott (57) reacts after a tackle against the New England Patriots during the first half on Thanksgiving at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The days of “Can’t wait!” are officially over in Florham Park, NJ.

The Jets have finally made moves to get under the salary cap, releasing LB Bart Scott, LB Calvin Pace, S Eric Smith, OT Jason Smith, and TE Josh Baker. As the Jets were over the cap as we all know, most of these moves were expected.

Bart Scott, despite being injured for part of the 2012 season, was almost a guaranteed cut, as was Calvin Pace. Both have suffered from dimished abilities. They could return at diminished salaries, but that possibility will be discussed at a later date.

Eric Smith was no surprise as his playing time significantly dimished, and Jason Smith was owed a hefty $12 million if he remained on the roster. The only marginal surprise is Josh Baker, who showed some ability as a pass catching tight end before he was injured during the preseason.

This does bring the Jets below the salary cap, by most counts at around $10 or $12 million below. Now it is on John Idzik to start repairing this roster.