After questioning his future with the New York Jets, Bart Scott is prepared to attend offseason workouts with the team beginning Monday.
"Me and (coach) Rex (Ryan) had a powwow," Scott told the New York Daily News on Friday. "I think we're on the same page. We ironed some things out. We're fine. I'm committed."
Scott followed Ryan to New York in 2009, but this isn't the same linebacker from three seasons ago. His speed was an issue late in the year. The team was forced to replace him for stretches. His 4.5 sacks were his highest total since 2006, but he was a different player on the field.Â
Scott's agent met with the Jets in February to explore a trade, but shipping him out would come with a $4.2 million price tag. That alone could dictate a roster spot.
Scott huddled with Ryan in March to iron out their differences and spoke this week of a new "100,000 percent" commitment to the coach and his team.
"The only reason I came here is because of (Ryan)," Scott said. "I was in a great place (Baltimore), but I came here because of my belief and trust in him. For me that's still strong -- my commitment to him and his commitment to me. (That's) first, then the Jets come second. I came here because I believe in the man and that didn't matter what team he was with."
Scott has shed 10 to 15 pounds in an effort to recreate some of his lost speed, but the Jets can't afford to view the 31-year-old as a long-term solution at linebacker. And none of this guarantees he'll be with the team come Week 1.
