By BRIAN COSTELLO
The Jets may address their hole at wide receiver before this month’s NFL Draft.
The team will meet with Cowboys restricted free agent Miles Austin this week, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News.
The Cowboys gave Austin, a New Jersey native, a $1.545 million tender offer. If the Jets sign Austin, the Cowboys would have a week to match the offer. If the Cowboys fail to match the offer, the Jets would owe Dallas their second-round pick.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram says the Cowboys plan to keep Austin.
“(His leaving is) not happening,” a source said Tuesday night. “We are going to do something.”
The paper says, “the Cowboys are excited about Austin’s potential to be a breakout receiver in 2009.”
The restricted free-agent signing period ends April 17.
The Jets have a need at receiver after losing Laveranues Coles this winter. At the moment, Jerricho Cotchery is their only proven receiver.
Austin, who went to Garfield High School and Monmouth University, caught 13 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns last year.
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The Jets also entertained eight college prospects yesterday, according to the team’s Web site: Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin, North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks, Mississipi DT Peria Jerry, Rutgers DE Jamal Westermna, St. Paul CB Greg Toler, Wisconsin LB Jonathan Casillas, Clemson DT Darrell Scott and North Carolina TE Richard Quinn.