Two Bills Drive

‘"I was a leader in St. Louis," he said. "I considered myself a leader from the moment I stepped into the locker room. I was captain of the special teams as a rookie. You don’t have many guys who come in and be a captain as a rookie. I don’t have a problem with being the leader."’

‘That’s what you have to like about the 5′-10" Fletcher, who wasn’t even drafted. He has a MOTOR, and Donahoe LOVES players with MOTORS. They don’t need fancy pep talks, they don’t take plays off. That’s London Fletcher, who led the Rams in tackles three years running. He also doesn’t come off the field on passing downs, and in fact, had six interceptions over the past two seasons.’

‘Now if linebacker Sam Cowart can return from a lost year as the human wrecking ball he was for Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell during two standout seasons in Buffalo, the Jets landed the steal of this free-agent class yesterday.’

Fletcher has discussed what assistance the team’s community relations department can offer in setting up inner city scholarships both in Buffalo and his Hometown of Cleveland.

‘Combined with a high left ankle sprain suffered at the end of his 2000 Pro Bowl season, Cowart has played just one half of football in the past 20 games. But he said that has taken away none of his play-making ability. "Most definitely, the impact is still there," he said. "Right now I’m 95 to 97 percent. The Jets told me this is no rush issue, we don’t play until September, we’ll bring you along slow."’

‘He is a fireplug-shaped tackling machine who starred on the Rams’ defense the last three seasons. His nickname is "dot.com" because, as he likes to say, he’s always on line to make the tackle.’

‘Signed as undrafted college free agent in April 1998.’

‘What Johnson can’t face is that his career has – financial windfalls aside – been a huge disappointment.’

‘"The Jets believed in me."’

‘Cowart had 487 tackles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 6 1/2 sacks in his five seasons in Buffalo.’

‘St. Louis was unable to resign Fletcher after the season, and on Sunday signed free agent Jamie Duncan to replace him at middle linebacker.’

‘”I’m not going to rush into anything,” Blake said. “But with the (NFL) combine over, things should heat up by next week. If I had to sign today, it would be with Buffalo, but I’m trying to get in the best situation for me.”‘

‘”The addition of ‘Sam C’ makes our linebacker corps one of the best in the league. I can’t wait to get on the field now. It’ll be something to see.”‘

‘Worst-case scenario: If Cowarts reinjures his Achilles early in the season, the Jets can cut him next offseason without major cap implications. Basically, it’s a $3 million gamble.’

‘Cowart’s negotiations with the Bills hit a snag, apparently because Buffalo wanted his salary in 2003 reduced if he got hurt in 2002. There is no such clause in the Jets’ contract. However, Cowart is eligible for up to a $6-million option bonus next March, which is partially based on playing time. If exercised, the bonus would be prorated over the final five years of the deal for cap purposes.’