NEW YORK, April 17 (UPI) -- The New York Jets apparently avoided paying a salary cap-busting clause to Vinny Testaverde by
reaching agreement on a new deal with the veteran quarterback.
The New York Daily News is reporting that Testaverde, who had a year left on his contract, reached agreement with the Jets on a
new five-year contract and will earn about $4.5 million in 2002.
"I feel comfortable that we've agreed on almost all the terms in the contract," Testaverde's agent, Michael Azzarelli, told the
Daily News. "It's just a matter of doing some paperwork."
By reaching a new deal, the Jets avoided paying a $9.5 million guarantee to Testaverde that was due by June 4.
The 38-year-old Testaverde is recovering from surgery to remove a benign tumor from his right foot and will not partipate in minicamp later this month. He is expected to be ready by late
May or early June.
Testaverde had problems adjusting to the West Coast offense installed by offensive coordinator Paul Hackett last season, throwing 15 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, but still led the Jets to a 10-6 record and an AFC wild card berth.
With quarterback Chad Pennington, a first-round pick in 2000, waiting in the wings, Testaverde may not be the starter beyond the 2002 season.
