ESPN NFL

Let the gamesmanship begin.

Reche Caldwell

Wide Receiver
New England Patriots

Profile

2006 Season Stats

Rec	Yds	TD	Avg	Long	YAC
61	760	4	12.5	62	221

In a move first reported by The Boston Globe and confirmed by league sources, the New York Jets on Tuesday visited with unrestricted free agent wide receiver Reche Caldwell, the five-year veteran released by the New England Patriots on Monday.

The AFC East foes, whose enmity frequently surpasses the typical division rivalry, meet on Sunday afternoon at Giants Stadium in the regular-season opener.

New York's curiosity in Caldwell, who led the Pats in receptions (61) and receiving yards (760) in 2006, his only season in New England, may be legitimate. But the Jets already have six wide receivers on the roster and seem relatively settled on their top three or four players at the position.

So, of course, the suspicion is that Jets officials may have used the visit with Caldwell to engage in a bit of reconnaissance.

It is not believed that the Jets immediately made a contract proposal to Caldwell, who has drawn interest from several teams since his release. Because he is a vested veteran with more than four years of experience in the league, Caldwell is not subject to waiver claims and is free to sign with any franchise.

Caldwell, 28, spent the first four seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing with the Patriots in 2006 as an unrestricted free agent. He became expendable when New England dramatically overhauled its wide receiver corps in the offseason, adding four veterans via trades and free agency acquisitions.

Last week, the Jets visited with veteran defensive back Artrell Hawkins, who spent the past two seasons with the Patriots before he was released late in camp this year.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.