Tuiasosopo to Jets

[Crush]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2808155


QB Tuiasosopo signs one-year deal with Jets
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent Marques Tuiasosopo, a quarterback regarded as long on potential but shy of playing time during his six seasons with the Oakland Raiders, has agreed to a contract with the New York Jets.

The one-year deal includes the minimum base salary of $595,000 for a six-year veteran. It will allow Tuiasosopo the opportunity to go back into the unrestricted market next spring.

Tuiasosopo, who turned 28 on Thursday, likely will fill the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind starter Chad Pennington and backup Kellen Clemens. The Jets released veteran Patrick Ramsey, who subsequently signed with Denver, earlier this spring, and have been seeking an experienced quarterback to replace him.

There is a chance that Tuiasosopo could challenge Clemens for the No. 2 job in training camp if he plays well. But the Jets definitely regard Clemens, a second-round choice in the 2006 draft, as the heir apparent to Pennington.

Earlier this spring, the Carolina Panthers visited with Tuiasosopo, and it was believed he would sign there. But a deal never developed with the Panthers and Tuiasosopo sought other options.

A few other teams indicated interest in Tuiasosopo, regarded as a superior athlete but a guy whose quarterback skills must still be developed, but the Jets offered the best opportunity.

A second-round choice of the Raiders in the 2001 draft, Tuiasosopo appeared in only 11 games in six seasons, with two starts. The former University of Washington star completed 48 of 88 passes for 550 yards, with two touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 68 yards on 15 carries.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.