Coming off a deplorable 4-12 season last year, the New York Jets made a serious attempt to upgrade their franchise this week, signing four new players that will vastly change the look of their offense and defense.

"We just thought it was the right opportunity for us," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "With these four players in particular, we just felt like they were opportunities to improve us at positions we felt could be upgraded."

In an even more shocking move, Tannenbaum also suggested that more moves could be on the way and even mentioned that a trade of defensive lineman Dwayne Robertson was almost completed before eventually falling through.

"As someone suggested to me, I think we've bought the suit and we have to go out and buy a couple of neckties," he said with a chuckle. "I hope that over the next couple of days, there will be a few more things we're looking at."

After signing pro bowl offensive lineman Alan Faneca to a five-year deal that will make him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history, the Jets went and signed former first round pick Calvin Pace, who is coming off a solid season with six and a half sacks and 97 tackles with the Cardinals. A defensive end by trade, Pace made the move to linebacker last season, similar to the move former Jet John Abraham made when he was with the club a few seasons ago. However, Pace has looked much more natural at the position than Abraham did and may be able to fill the void left by the trade of Jonathan Vilma to the Saints last week.

"We think he can help in our defense," Tannenbaum said. "We saw him play in the 3-4 defense last year and we're excited to get him. I think his versatility was one of the hallmarks of what we were looking for.”

After adding depth to the linebacker corps with Pace, the Jets went and shored up the offensive line, acquiring Damien Woody, giving the Jets two of the best available offensive linemen on the market and giving the Jets their best offensive line on paper since they had both Pete Kendall and Kevin Mawae. Signing a deal for five-years and $25 million, the Jets offensive line has the potential to be solid into the next decade.

"I'm ecstatic to be with the Jets," Woody said in a statement. "I am familiar with Eric Mangini and (quarterbacks coach) Brian Daboll and it feels good to be reunited with them. I am looking forward to returning to the AFC East and contributing to this team."

The Jets coaching staff is also well aware of what Woody, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, can do for them.

"Damien is a versatile player that has experience at a number of positions," Mangini told the AP. "I spent four seasons with Damien in New England and know that he is a diligent performer with a good work ethic."

With Faneca, Pace and Woody in the mix, the Jets also signed three-time pro bowl fullback Tony Richardson to block for Thomas Jones. Coming off another pro bowl season, Richardson, 36, still looks like he can perform at a high level and should be able to help Jones, who is coming off of a 1,119 yard season, his lowest since 2005.

“Tony will serve as a tremendous asset in both the running and passing game as well as on special teams,” Jets coach Eric Mangini said. “With nearly 200 games of NFL experience, he is a consummate professional who will serve as a great resource for our younger players.”

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