Jets' GM hints at QB situation

For Mike Tannenbaum, NFL free agency, which begins on March 13, will mark the first step toward putting a disappointing 2011 season behind him.

The Jets general manager addressed a myriad of topics during his 20-minute interview on WFAN Thursday morning, but one of the biggest issues left to be resolved is the status of Bart Scott. And then there's the burning quarterback question.

When asked about the Jets' reported interest in Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, Tannenbaum said: "He's a player under contract to another team, so what I will say though is, our position as a whole at quarterback, I think, has a reasonable chance to look different by opening day."

As for Scott, "All options are open," Tannenbaum said of the 31-year-old middle linebacker, who has a fully guaranteed base salary of $4.2 million in 2012 and three years remaining on his contract. "...He's a good player, he's passionate. Obviously, he was frustrated this year, but I think he was frustrated by the performance of the team. And that's what you love about Bart."

But Tannenbaum said he doesn't envision a scenario where the Jets would eat a significant salary cap hit for a player not on the roster.

The team still is looking at backups Kevin O'Connell and Mark Brunell and Greg McElroy -- who created a firestorm after the season ended when he said there was a "corrupt mindset" in the Jets locker room -- will return "for sure," he said.

When asked about the possibility of re-signing ex-Jet and current free agent Braylon Edwards, Tannenbaum said "We'll where that goes." As for LaDainian Tomlinson's future with the franchise, the general manager said it's "hard to say" because "I'm not sure he's sure of he wants to play yet. ...We'll leave the lines of communication open with him."

Tannenbaum also said Wayne Hunter will be the Jets starting right tackle this season.