Jets to sign WR Coles in time for Patriots clash has 0 comments

Dec 5th 2010, 10:36 | FFN-Score: 47 points

The New York Jets are expected to sign veteran wide receiver Laveranues Coles on Sunday, in time for Monday night's showdown with the New England Patriots, The Star-Ledger reported Saturday, citing a source with direct knowledge of the transaction.

Coles, the 32-year-old former Jets wideout, would fill the open roster spot left by safety Jim Leonhard, who was placed on injured reserve Saturday, one day after he broke his right leg during practice.

The signing would represent Coles' fourth stint with the Jets. The Star-Ledger suggests the move could be a tactic by coach Rex Ryan to motivate the Jets in the hours before their confrontation with the Patriots.

Coles was released by the Jets in August, a month after the team brought him back to add depth at the wide receiver position. Coles had four catches for 19 yards in three preseason games.

"Unless someone gives me an offer I can't refuse, I think I'm done," Coles told The Star-Ledger after being cut by the team in the summer. "I have my health and I'm thankful for that. I'll talk to the Jets if they call, but right now I think I'm done."

Coles began his career with the Jets in 2000. He signed with the Washington Redskins after three seasons with New York, but was traded back to the Jets for Santana Moss two years later. Coles was allowed to become an unrestricted free agent last offseason, and signed with Cincinnati.

He struggled in his one season with the Bengals, who released him in March.

Coles has 674 catches for 8,609 yards and 49 touchdowns, and ranks fourth in Jets history -- behind Don Maynard (627), Wayne Chrebet (580) and Al Toon (517) -- with 459 catches.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.