HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Ty Law stood on the sidelines with his
Jets helmet in his right hand, and watched intently as his new
teammates practiced.
Once a member of one of New York's biggest rivals, Law appeared
right at home in his new green and white Jets uniform.
"It was basically a dream come true," Law said Monday.
The four-time Pro Bowl cornerback agreed to a multiyear contract
with the Jets after helping the New England Patriots win three
Super Bowls in 10 seasons.
"There is nothing else to prove as far as I'm concerned with
New England," the 31-year-old Law said. "I had 10 great years and
three championships there, so the proof is in the books. Now it's
time to go into the new chapter in my life and prove to the Jets
that I'm worth everything they are willing to put out for me."
The deal could be worth as much as $28.5 million for the first
three years and as much as $50 million over seven years, agent Carl
Poston said. The contract is laden with incentives -- among them
leading the Jets to the Super Bowl -- and has options for both
sides.
"I think this team is on the verge of doing something very
special, and that's why I wanted to join them," Law said.
And the Jets couldn't have been happier to welcome a player of
Law's caliber. Running back Curtis Martin, who played with Law in
New England during his first three seasons, actively recruited the
cornerback to come to New York.
"There are certain guys that you just know are winners --
they've got it in their eyes, they've got it in their hearts and
they play with it on the field. Ty is one of those guys," Martin
said. "I think anytime you add him to a team, you add an element
that not too many people at his position can bring."
Law took a physical, worked out for the team and participated in
warmup drills in the afternoon. He also caused the Jets and their
fans a brief scare when he slipped and fell on the damp grass
during backpedaling drills.
He was fine, though, and spent most of the practice next to
defensive backs coach Corwin Brown, his former teammate in New
England, and soaked in his new squad's defensive schemes.
"He's a quick learner and he's confident," coach Herman
Edwards said.
Law gives the Jets a premier shut-down defensive back who will
start at left cornerback, which was vacated when Donnie Abraham
retired shortly before training camp.
"He's obviously one person who has done something that no one
on this team has done: He's won three Super Bowls," Martin said.
Law missed the Patriots' third championship with a broken foot.
He needed surgery in January to repair ligament damage after the
season-ending injury during a loss at Pittsburgh in October.
"He's been a good friend and a good teammate for a long time. I
wish him the best of luck," Patriots receiver Troy Brown said.
He was in the final season of a seven-year, $51 million contact
with the Patriots, and was due $12.5 million this season, but the
team would've taken a big hit on its salary cap. Law reportedly
wasn't willing to restructure his contract, so New England released
him in February. He was sought by a number of teams, including
Detroit, Kansas City and Pittsburgh.
"It's good for Ty. I think he went through a little bit of a
tough time, trying to find his place, trying to find his [new]
home," defensive end Richard Seymour said.
"I can hold my head up high and say I've had a pretty good
career thus far, and I'm going to continue that," Law said. "I
have a lot left to give. I'm going to prove to all the doubters, if
there are any out there, that I'm still the best cornerback in
football."
He solidifies what once was an area of concern for the Jets, who
were unsure who their starter at left cornerback would be. Ray
Mickens, Justin Miller and Pete Hunter were all competing for the
job.
To make room for Law, the Jets released Mickens, who was listed
as the starter during the first week of camp. Law will wear
Mickens' old No. 24 jersey, the number he had with the Patriots.
"Everybody knows what kind of player he is -- Pro Bowl player,
All-Pro player, a great competitor on and off the field," receiver
Deion Branch said. "He's a great teacher. I learned a lot from
him, and I'm pretty sure some of the other guys [on the Jets] are
going to learn some things from him, too."
The team also let go of safety Derek Pagel, guard Dave
Yovanovits, running back Delvin Joyce and cornerback Roosevelt
Williams.
Mickens, who played nine seasons for the Jets and was a fan
favorite, missed last year with a torn knee ligament but looked
good in camp. He started 14 games in 2003 when Abraham was injured
and had been a key part of the Jets' nickel package.
"He's a good player and he'll play in this league with another
team," Edwards said.
Law holds Patriots records with 36 interceptions and six
regular-season touchdowns on interceptions. He also scored on an
interception when New England beat St. Louis in 2002 for its first
NFL title.
"He's a guy that can make the big plays and help us win the
championship -- that's what we want to do," center Kevin Mawae
said. "He knows how to do it."