Jets Restructure Gholston's Deal

Turns out the New York Jets did more than change Vernon Gholston's position for 2010. They also took some money from his pocket.

The Jets have restructured Gholston's contract, a source familiar with the situation said on Sunday. While the specific numbers weren't immediately available, the team lowered his base salary (originally $1.9 million), with a chance for him to recoup the money by reaching incentives, a source said.

The important part of the restructuring is this: It ensures that Gholston, the disappointing first-round pick in 2008, will go to training camp with the team and will have a chance to earn playing time.

Gholston appeared to be on shaky ground at the end of last season, as the organization deliberated on whether to give him another season or to cut bait. With it being an uncapped year, it would've been the ideal time to unload him without a salary-cap hit. They decided to retain him, but with a different position.

After two seasons at outside linebacker, Gholston was moved recently to defensive end, where he will play behind Shaun Ellis. The change, first reported by ESPNNewYork.com, was cemented when they signed free-agent pass rusher Jason Taylor, formerly of the Dolphins.

Rex Ryan, who confirmed the move Saturday in his post-draft news conference, said Gholston at defensive end "will give us the opportunity to be more athletic at the position." In reality, it puts Gholston one step closer to the door.

Gholston was the sixth overall choice in 2008, and signed a five-year contract with $21 million in guarantees. So far, it looks like one of the worst contracts in recent history. In two seasons, he has yet to record a sack.

First, what I want to say about this is, good! Good for the Jets for finally being smart and somewhat playing the CYA card here.

It's a good thing he agreed to restructure his deal too because if he didn't and word got out that he didn't agree to do that, he would have been ripped apart by not only the media here in New York, but also by every Jets fan.

This is Gholston's make-or-break year, obviously, because you can be rest assured that if he does not produce this season again, he will be kicked to the curb; he already has one foot out the door with this position change.