NEW YORK -- Mike DeVito heard the speculation about his playing time as soon as the New York Jets drafted Quinton Coples.
Even coach Rex Ryan declared the big rookie defensive lineman from North Carolina a starter before quickly backtracking.
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As far as DeVito is concerned, he'll just keep going about his business -- even if it means fewer snaps.
"I'm glad to see that we got Quinton," DeVito told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "I mean, the more talent we can add, the better. I want to be on a team that has guys that want to win and guys who can add to our defense, and he's one of those guys."
One of the effects of the Jets drafting Coples 16th overall was evident when New York reduced DeVito's salary this season by about $610,000. The 27-year-old DeVito preferred not to get into details of the negotiations involved in the new deal, but several bonuses could allow him to recoup most of the money from the original contract.
"Whatever it took that was best for me and my family and make it work between the Jets and I was my main goal," DeVito said. "I'm glad it did work out that I could be here another year and my focus is football."
DeVito signed a three-year extension in 2009 -- Ryan recently pointed out it was the first player move the team made when he took over as coach -- that would have paid him $2.26 million in base salary this season. Instead, he will earn a fully guaranteed base of $700,000 in the final year of his deal but will receive several bonuses that will make his total salary about $2.5 million this season -- $610,000 less than he was originally supposed to receive. The new deal includes a $750,000 escalator that he can earn based on playing time.
"I'm just glad we were able to come to an agreement, and that was what was most important," he said, adding that he has no resentment or bitterness toward the team or Coples. "As far as the future, I really feel that it's all about what you put out there on the field, so if I go out there and play well and do what I'm capable of doing, then I think everything will work itself out. That's the mindset I'm taking."
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
