Free agent QB Mark Brunell plans to hold off on officially retiring, and says he would "definitely" consider playing "if an opportunity came along." Brunell suggested Monday he realized his career was over, but will apparently let the open market make the final call. Brunell filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010, so he certainly has financial motivation to continue playing. A purely token backup in New York the past two seasons, the 41-year-old 18-year veteran is unlikely to draw any interest.

Former Jets and Jaguars QB Mark Brunell has retired from football. He wanted to play one more season, but the Jets preferred a backup capable of putting heat on Mark Sanchez. Brunell, 41, was an athletic southpaw passer in his prime, and the last franchise-caliber quarterback in Jaguars history. He made three Pro Bowl trips in the mid to late 1990s, compiling a 184:108 TD-to-INT ratio and career record of 78-73. Brunell leaves the game ranked 31st all-time in passing yards. He likely earned a spot in the Jags' Ring of Honor.

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum confirmed the team intends to bring in a better No. 2 quarterback for the 2012 season. Incumbent Mark Brunell's contract is up, and the Jets may want to put heat on struggling starter Mark Sanchez. "(Sanchez) will be our starter," Tannenbaum said. "With that said, I think we will look at that position as a whole. ... We're bringing in some competition for a change." ESPN Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson has suggested the Jets pursuing free agents Chad Henne, Jason Campbell, and Kyle Orton as well as drafting a QB in the third or fourth round.

Backup Jets QB Mark Brunell would like to return for a 19th NFL season in 2012. "I'd love to continue being a Jet for another year, and if that didn't happen, I would certainly welcome another opportunity," Brunell said. Brunell's desire to continue playing is probably motivated at least in part by money, as the former Jaguar was forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2010. With Mark Sanchez appearing to regress in 2011, the Jets will likely make upgrading on the 41-year-old Brunell a priority this offseason.

Coach Rex Ryan expects Mark Brunell (calf) to be ready for the season opener. Monday's reports suggested Brunell would be touch-and-go for the opener. The Jets don't plan to add a veteran QB with seventh-rounder Greg McElroy leading all rookies in passer rating through two weeks of the exhibition schedule.

Jets backup QB Mark Brunell (calf) may not be ready for Week 1. Brunell has a serious pull in his calf muscle and at age 40, recovery is slower than usual. Third-string quarterback Greg McElroy was solid again last night, completing 6-of-9 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Mark Brunell will miss the Jets' second preseason game on Sunday with a pulled calf. He suffered the injury in practice on Saturday. This, after Brunell missed the Jets' preseason opener last Monday with a dislocated left pinky finger. His absence will lead to another extended look for rookie Greg McElroy, who completed 23-of-39 passes for 208 yards and a score against the Texans last week. Brunell is looking very creaky heading into his age-41 season.

Mark Brunell dislocated a finger on his left hand in Jets practice on Saturday. The injury is not considered serious, but Brunell will be unable to go in the Jets' preseason opener on Monday. Mark Sanchez may now play up to a full quarter, while the Jets are reportedly planning to give seventh-round pick Greg McElroy a "heavy dose" of snaps.

Jets re-signed QB Mark Brunell to a one-year contract. As expected. Brunell's salary was chopped for the Jets' ultimately fruitless pursuit of Nnamdi Asomugha. It's a good bet that he'll receive slightly less than his scheduled $1.25 million salary to act as Mark Sanchez's backup.

There is reportedly a "very good" chance QB Mark Brunell will re-sign with the Jets after being released Friday. Brunell's $1.25 million salary was cleared for a run at Nnamdi Asomugha, but the Jets still want him back as Mark Sanchez's sounding board.