The Jets moved so quickly to replace Laveranues Coles that they put Curtis Conway on a plane to New York before a deal was completed.

Even though they hadn't completed a deal by late Wednesday night, Conway is expected to sign a three-year contract worth -- with incentives -- around $2.5 million per year. A news conference was called by the Jets for 11 a.m. Thursday.

An agreement in principle was reached Wednesday while Conway was flying from Atlanta to New York. Enough progress was made by the Jets and Conway's agent, Gary Uberstine, that he was advised to board a flight and be prepared for Thursday in case a deal was done.

Conway was released by the Chargers when he refused to take a paycut. In the end, he made more money by going to the Jets than the proposed contract change by the Chargers.

The Jets decided Wednesday not to match a seven-year, $35 million offer sheet Coles signed with the Redskins. They had looked at two restricted free agent receivers -- Darrell Jackson and Tai Streets -- but signing those players would have cost the Jets a draft choice.

Conway tried to convince them that they would be able to sign him to be a No. 1 receiver and not have to surrender a draft choice.

The Jets agreed.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.