Jets, Pennington close

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004 | 10:13 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, entering his fifth season in the NFL, is close to a deal that will net him about $22 million in guaranteed money.

His agent, Tom Condon and Jets negotiator Mike Tannenbaum were meeting Tuesday to finalize details. The contract is expected to run six or seven years.

"Getting an extension is not going to make me play better or make me rest my head easier or anything like that," Pennington said after practice Tuesday.

"What an extension does, in my opinion, it gives you a sense of excitement knowing you have more than one chance to help this team, and it is not just a one-year thing."

Pennington, the 18th overall pick in the 2000 draft, has been the Jets' starter in only 23 games. He took over a month into 2002 for the benched Vinny Testaverde and led the team's turnaround to win the AFC East crown and one playoff game. Pennington was the league's most efficient passer.

A year ago, he broke his wrist and hand in an exhibition game and missed two months. The Jets wound up 6-10.

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