Search This Blog

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Jets Sign Marques Tuiasosopo

Jets Sign Tuiasosopo to Vie for a Spot at Quarterback

The Jets signed quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo yesterday to compete with Kellen Clemens for a backup position.

Tuiasosopo, 28, has spent six seasons in the N.F.L. with the Oakland Raiders, but has attempted only 88 career passes. The Jets need to solidify their depth at quarterback behind their starter, Chad Pennington.

Clemens attempted only one regular-season pass last season as a rookie, and the Jets lost their veteran backup when they released Patrick Ramsey earlier this month to avoid paying a $1.2 million roster bonus. Ramsey has signed with the Denver Broncos.

Tuiasosopo was the fourth quarterback selected in the 2001 draft, after Michael Vick, Drew Brees and Quincy Carter, but he made only two starts for Oakland. After Rich Gannon was injured in 2003, Tuiasosopo tore a knee ligament in his first game as the starter. He did not play again until 2005, then struggled in his lone start that season, a game in December against the Jets.

In 11 career games, Tuiasosopo has completed 54.5 percent of his passes for 550 yards, with two touchdowns and seven interceptions.

No comments: