Bart Scott Released By Jets; Bills, Mike Pettine Could Be Interested

Forgoing a scheduled meeting in Indianapolis where a potential pay cut was to be discussed, the New York Jets on Tuesday released veteran linebacker Bart Scott as they purged several overpriced veterans from the roster. Naturally, from the moment that the news broke, speculation arose that the Buffalo Bills and Scott's former defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine, could be interested now that Scott is officially available.

Scott, who will turn 33 in August, has spent his entire 11-year career playing for teams (the Jets and, prior to that, the Baltimore Ravens) that had Rex Ryan and Pettine on the coaching payroll. That fact alone could make the Bills a front-runner to land Scott, particularly since the Bills are so inexperienced at linebacker following last week's release of Nick Barnett.

There's no question that Scott is no longer the player he once was and is on the down side of his career; his addition would not fix a broken defense. Then again, Pettine is installing a complex, hybrid defense in which Scott has played his whole career. As a short-term stopgap player - much like Andra Davis was supposed to be when the Bills signed him to a two-year deal in 2010 - there's a lot to like about signing a player that could act as a proverbial coach on the field. As he's unlikely to get a lucrative or lengthy offer as a free agent, following Pettine to Buffalo might be Scott's best option if the Bills are, in fact, interested.

We've opened up a poll on this subject, mostly because Scott is a polarizing figure and we're legitimately curious to view the results of the query. What would you think if the Bills do end up pursuing a Scott signing?