Jets Lure TE Eric Green

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

February 16, 1999 / 8:58 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

Continuing to address the need for quality tight ends, the New York Jets tonight signed free agent Eric Green from the Baltimore Ravens.

The Jets also tended to depth issues on the defensive line, inking free agent defensive end Mike Frederick, also from the Ravens. Terms to both contracts were not disclosed.

New York tabbed starting tight end Kyle Brady, who had a breakout season, as its transition free agent. But it did not stop coach Bill Parcells from signing Johnnie Mitchell, a former first-round pick by New York, in the offseason. Green is a better receiver than Brady, who had 30 catches for 315 yards and five touchdowns.

"I think Eric is a good addition to the team and should improve our running game substantially," said Parcells. "He's been a player that I have observed over the last eight to 10 years and know that he is a quality tight end and has produced at a very high level and we're glad to have him here."

The 31-year-old Green had 34 catches for 422 yards -- both good for fourth on the team -- and one touchdown in 12 games for Baltimore last season. The 285-pound Green has 365 receptions over a nine-year career, including two seasons of 60-plus catches. He has been plagued by injuries, though, playing 16 games only in 1993 and 1997.

"I'm excited to be with a coach with a proven track record like Bill Parcells," said Green. "I hope that it brings out the best in me and I hope to add to the team from what they accomplished last year. Last year, the Jets had a good run and hopefully, we can go a bit further next year."

Frederick, a former third-round draft pick, completed his fourth season with the Ravens. He did not record a sack and has only 1 1/2 in his four seasons.

The 26-year-old Frederick joins a set of defensive linemen that did a solid job without one dominant player. Anthony Pleasant led the group with six sacks.

"Mike will be able to compete for a defensive line position," said Parcells. "We've had success with players like this, he's in the Rick Lyle, Ernie Logan mold that have come and have been reasonably familiar with them and think that he has a chance to help us."