The Jets' long-running pursuit of a high-profile wide receiver could land them in hot water with the NFL.
The 49ers, embroiled in an acrimonious contract dispute with rookie WR Michael Crabtree, have filed tampering charges against the Jets, sources told the Daily News. The Jets, through a team spokesman, denied the allegations.
Although the specifics aren't known, it's not hard to connect the dots. Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in the draft, is threatening to sit out the season and reenter the draft in 2010. The 49ers may believe the Jets contacted Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, to let him know they'd be interested in trading for his rights, or in drafting him in 2010 with a better salary than the 49ers are offering. The NFL's trade deadline is Oct.20, while the 49ers must either sign Crabtree by Nov.19, or surrender his rights, putting him back into the draft pool for 2010.