Unsung Run Defender Mike DeVito Restructures Contract, Will Remain with the New York Jets
When the New York Jets drafted DE Quinton Coples with the 16th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, head coach Rex Ryan did not hesitate to declare the rookie an immediate day one starter.
Of course, by putting his cards on the table so bluntly, Ryan unintentionally revealed that former starter Mike DeVito will have a decreased, or at least modified role.
DeVito, who originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007 out of Maine, has developed into one of the premier run defending 3-4 ends in football over the last few seasons.
However, the 27-year-old battled injures in 2011, and the addition of Coples will allow the Jets to keep DeVito fresh by playing him primarily on running downs, which plausibly could maximize his effectiveness.
“I know [DeVito] is a tremendous player,” Ryan said in regards to the addition of Coples. “To explain his exact role right now, I don’t feel like I can do that right now.”
Last week, the Jets decided to let go of fellow defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua, which I interpreted as a bonafide endorsement of DeVito and the rest of the defensive line depth.
The unsung DeVito apparently has made a commitment of his own, agreeing to a pay cut that restructured his contract to a more cap-friendly deal for the team.
DeVito was due to earn a 2012 base salary of $2.26 million, with another $1 million in bonuses. With his restructure, he will earn a base salary of $700,000 instead.
Various bonuses are expected to push DeVito’s total 2012 compensation to a guaranteed $2.5 million, which essentially is an assurance that he will be on the roster this season, which I’m happy to see.
He can become a free agent after the season, so it’s possible that this will be his final year in New York. Hopefully, we can see him stay healthy this year and have a strong contract year.
Mike DeVito has been a key cog and an underrated part of this Jets defense over the last few years, and it’s nice to have him back for what could be one last hurrah.
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[...] say. That much was evident based on the way the team played in the 16 regular season games of 2011. Rex Ryan‘s defense ranked 13th in rushing yards allowed per game, 27th overall in rushing touchdowns [...]
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