Jets Sign First Two Free Agents, QB Drew Stanton and WR Chaz Schillens

Dec 20, 2009; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Chaz Schillens (81) is defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Tony Carter (25) in the second quarter at Invesco Field. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

After two days of not showing up on the free agent radar, the Jets finally made their first splash.

The first was expected, as the Jets have come to terms with former Raiders’ wide receiver Chaz Schillens on a one year contract worht $765,000, $500,000 guaranteed.  Schillens reunites with his former position coach, Sanjay Lal, who has taken the same position with the Jets for 2012.  Schillens is 6-4, 225 lbs, so he fits the profile of a tall speedy wide receiver that the Jets were looking for.  Over 4 seasons with the Raiders, Schillens amassed 72 receptions for 902 yards and 7 TDs.  He will make a welcome addition to the Jets if he can stay healthy, as he did miss 13 games from 2009-2010.

The second was also coming, as the Jets have signed the backup quarterback they also were looking for.  The Jets have agreed to terms with former Lions’ 3rd string quarterback Drew Stanton, who was a target of the team since free agency began.  The deal is also for one year, worth $1.25 million.  It’s unclear if this is the right player to bring in to give a “push” to Mark Sanchez, as Stanton didn’t take a snap in a game in 2011.  He has started 4 games in his career, including 3 in 2010 after injuries to Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill, 2 of which he did win, so there is some promise there.  In his two winning starts in 2010 he threw for 369 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs.

Drew Stanton was looking for a number 2 position, and now he gets his wish.