This past weekend, a report surfaced out of the NFL Combine that Jets linebacker Bart Scott could be on his way out from the team and making the short trip across New Jersey to the Giants. Metro New York has learned that the Jets have given permission to Scott to seek his own trade.
SportsIllustrated.com writer Tony Pauline tweeted on Saturday night: “Word from the combine: if the Jets cut Bart Scott he could end up changing locker rooms and playing for the Giants.” Two sources speaking to Metro New York on the condition of anonymity corroborated the report.
“It is likely that Bart stays with the Jets next year, especially since the team would owe him a hefty amount if they cut him,” said one team source to Metro New York. “I don’t see the organization making this move. They’ve been reluctant to in the past.”
Scott is coming off a year that was statistically his worst since becoming an established starter in the league. The 10-year veteran, who completed his third year with the Jets last year, had just 66 tackles for the Jets — his lowest total since the 2005 season. The lasting memory of Scott may well be being his exit from the team’s facility at the end of the season. Scott refused to answer questions from the media, but stopped in the middle of the locker room where he gave several photographers “the finger” upon his exit.
It is his free spirit and unmistakable humor that keeps him a fan favorite. Despite the down year, he often takes on thankless jobs which allow the rest of the linebackers to make plays.
“Bart is very happy in north Jersey where he seems to have established roots,” a league source said. “A move to the Giants would make sense for him, much like when Plaxico Burress signed with the Jets this past offseason to keep from moving his family [out of the area]. He’s established himself in the area. If something happens with the Jets, the Giants are the logical choice for him.”
The major issue for Scott may not be his declining production, but where the team switch leaves him on the field. He is an ideal fit in the Jets’ 3-4 system where he can blow up plays, but with the Giants utilizing a 4-3 defense, Scott doesn’t seem as good of a fit.
“I just don’t see him fitting in to their scheme as well,” the league source said.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
