Jets purchase WR Thomas, sources say, and new Ok

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Sooner or later after coach Adam Gase’s public criticism of the staff, the New York Jets traded for large receiver Demaryius Thomas and altered kickers for the third time since coaching camp — a mini-shake-up that sends a message to the locker room.

The Jets acquired Thomas from the New England Patriots for a 2021 sixth-round choose, sources advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That the bitter rivals made a commerce was beautiful. It was a primary for Patriots coach Invoice Belichick, who beforehand had executed a commerce with each staff besides the Jets.

Thomas turned expendable after New England signed large receiver Antonio Brown.

Thomas, who tore his Achilles in December, was activated off the bodily unable to carry out listing on Aug. 20. He had seven catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns within the Patriots’ preseason finale, which was his first sport because the damage.

With Thomas out, the Patriots’ large receiver depth chart now options Brown, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski. Dorsett reeled in two touchdowns on Sunday night time, whereas Gordon caught one in every of his personal. In the meantime, Edelman led the staff in receptions with six.

Gase was essential of his large receivers after Sunday’s 17-16 loss to the Buffalo Payments, telling reporters Monday that he wasn’t pleased with their route operating. He did not identify names, however he was clearly sad with Robby Anderson.

Not surprisingly, the Jets waived kicker Kaare Vedvik and signed free agent Sam Ficken, who was reduce just lately by the Inexperienced Bay Packers. He can be their fourth kicker because the begin of coaching camp.

Vedvik lasted solely every week on the roster. He struggled in his NFL debut, lacking an additional level and a 45-yard area aim. He changed the ineffective Taylor Bertolet, who changed Chandler Catanzaro, who retired abruptly after the second preseason sport.

On Monday, Gase was fuming and sprayed criticism at a number of place teams on his roster. He was significantly offended with the receivers, saying, “We made some errors they usually had been deadly to us … They should do a greater job of executing what they’re speculated to be doing.”

The passing sport ran by means of slot receiver Jamison Crowder, who caught 14 passes for 99 yards. Anderson and Quincy Enunwa had been held to a mixed 4 catches. Gase exonerated quarterback Sam Darnold, who handed for less than 175 yards, selecting responsible the receivers and offensive line.

Thomas can be new to New York, however he’s acquainted with Gase. He served because the Denver Broncos’ large receivers coach from 2010 to 2013 after which because the staff’s offensive coordinator from 2013 to ’14. Thomas spent the primary 9 years of his profession in Denver.

The Jets may even welcome a veteran presence inside their receiving corps. The 31-year-old Thomas is now the oldest wideout on the staff forward of Anderson (26), Joshua Bellamy (30), Braxton Berrios (23), Crowder (26) and Enunwa (27). Berrios was among the many Patriots’ remaining cuts this season.

Demaryius Thomas will reunite with Adam Gase, who was an offensive assistant throughout Thomas’ time in Denver. Brian Fluharty/USA At this time Sports activities

The Jets opted for Ficken after a morning tryout at their facility that consisted of 5 free-agent kickers. His solely regular-season expertise got here in 2017 and 2018 with the Los Angeles Rams, however it was solely 4 video games. He made three of six area objectives (a protracted of 34 yards) and was 14-for-15 on additional factors.

Ficken tried just one area aim for the Packers within the preseason (he made it), and was 5-for-5 on additional factors.

On Monday, Gase expressed his frustration with the kicking carousel, saying, “What would you like me to do? We’ve not carried out nicely. We will attempt to determine a strategy to repair it.”

The Jets’ kicking saga began in March, once they let Jason Myers — a Professional Bowl choice — go away through free company. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks, who gave him a $5.5 million assure.

Info from ESPN’s Mike Reiss was used on this report.