Lance

Laury

Hill was on crutches Monday and didn’t practice on Wednesday, but is confident he’ll practice Thursday and play in Week 2. His direct backup is Lance Laury, but Kevin Bentley would more likely start in his place.

Kirtman gets $370,000 if he makes the club; Laury can make $445,000. Restricted free agent RB Alvin Pearman wasn’t tendered and is free to leave.

The special teams ace failed to draw a qualifying offer from Seattle, as they’ve been reluctant to go over the $1 million mark. He’s now free to sign anywhere.

With zero career sacks, Laury will be asked to learn the inside linebacker position in New York’s 3-4 system. Primarily, though, he’ll be running down kicks and punts. Laury led Seattle in special teams tackles last year.

Seattle didn’t tender the key special teamer an offer last year, either, but they ended up re-signing him three weeks later. They’ll like to try to sign him to a reduced rate again this year.

Laury, 27, captained Seattle’s special teams last year but they weren’t willing to pay him $1 million. He may still re-sign for a deal in the $800K range.

Laury, a key special teamer, wasn’t extended a qualifying offer last month, so he likely re-signed for less than $1 million.

They’re unrestricted free agents now, regardless of CBA progress. The Jets likely still want Weatherford back, just not at the $1.2 million or so it would’ve cost to tender him. The 28-year-old tied an NFL record with 42 punts inside the opposing 20-yard line last season. Laury is a special teamer.