Jets sign WR Cotchery to extension; cut RB Blaylock

Mar 1, 2007 - 5:33 PM HEMPSTEAD, New York (Ticker) -- Jerricho Cotchery enjoyed a breakout season in 2006. Now the wide receiver has a long-term commitment.

The New York Jets on Thursday signed Cotchery to a multi-year contract extension.

Terms were not disclosed.

Cotchery, 24, would have been eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season.

Cotchery started all 16 games this past season and established career highs with 82 catches for 961 yards and six touchdowns. In the Jets' playoff loss at New England, Cotchery caught four passes for 100 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown.

"Jerricho Cotchery is the type of player we are looking for here," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "He earned a starting role this year and showed the productivity and consistency we want at that position."

The wide receiver tandem of Cotchery and Laveranues Coles is among the best in the league. Coles caught 91 passes for 1,098 yards and six touchdowns this past season.

A fourth-round pick in 2004, Cotchery had just 25 catches in his first two seasons

The Jets on Thursday also released running back Derrick Blaylock and defensive end Bobby Hamilton.

Blaylock was a bust after signing a five-year, $11 million contract in 2005. He was benched by coach Eric Mangini after rushing for just 44 yards on 25 carries in New York's first two games this past season.

Hamilton served as a backup and recorded 30 tackles.