Jets Offer Rich Deal to Coleman

The New York Jets have offered cornerback Marcus Coleman a multiyear deal averaging nearly $4 million per season, according to published reports.

Both the Star-Ledger of Newark and Newsday reported the offer, which would make Coleman the highest-paid defensive back on the team.

Coleman’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, met with the team in Miami last Monday, and both parties are making progress, the newspapers reported Saturday, citing a source close to the negotiations.

Team spokesman Frank Ramos would say only that the Jets are negotiating with Coleman, but had no further comment. Sexton could not be reached immediately for comment.

Coleman, 25, will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. He is tied for the team lead in interceptions with five, including a 98-yard return for a touchdown of a pass by Dan Marino in the Jets’ 38-31 victory over the Miami Dolphins last Monday night.

It was his the first touchdown of his career and the second-longest interception return in Jet history.

Coleman, a former Texas Tech standout, was the Jets’ fifth-round draft pick in 1996.

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Linebacker Junior Seau of the San Diego Chargers won’t play today against the Denver Broncos at Denver, Charger Coach Mike Riley said.

Seau has been bothered by a strained stomach muscle for several weeks. He also sat out a home game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 5.