NFL 2019 | Valentine Holmes’ back up plan

Valentine Holmes appears willing to take a massive pay cut to keep his NFL dream alive, as ravenous NRL clubs wait to pounce.

Valentine Holmes impressed for the Jets.

Valentine Holmes is set to turn his back on a $1 million NRL contract to continue his dream of making it in the NFL.

Holmes, who has been playing for the New York Jets, told The Daily Telegraph that he would not return for the 2020 NRL season if he’s selected in either the 53-man NFL squad to be announced tomorrow or the 10-man practice squad for the franchise.

As a part of the International Pathway program, Holmes could snag an 11th spot open to teams involved in the International Pathway program, which would likely keep him in the NFL franchise.

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The International Pathway program was designed to give non-US elite athletes a chance to embed with NFL teams and learn the game without the pressure of having to make the 53-man roster or play games.

The Jets and three other teams involved in the Pathway program — New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills — get a bonus 11th practice squad slot.

With Holmes not expected to get a spot on the 53-man roster, the 11th spot on the practice squad is the way most expect the Aussie to remain with the franchise.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas said Holmes was an interesting prospect, increasing the speculation he’d be on the practice squad.

“Unbelievable hands,” Douglas said. “He has great feet, great hands. He is a nifty route runner.

“He’s shown ability to actually return punts — with him, with his background — he’s dangerous if he gets in the open field.”

Valentine Holmes has impressed some in high places.

Another option is another NFL team could swoop in and sign him before he is added as the Jets’ 11th practice squad player if he doesn’t make the 53-man squad, he will be placed on waivers.

If teams pass him up the Jets are the only club that can sign him with their 11th practice squad roster exemption.

The downside to the 11th roster spot is that Pathway players cannot be called up during the season, meaning it would be a season of learning and training for Holmes.

Holmes will be taking a significant pay cut.

NFL practice squad players make $US136,000 ($AU202,653) for the 17-week NFL season, a long way from the $1 million per season Cronulla Sharks contract Holmes walked away from.

AAP reported Holmes wasn’t ruling out a future return to the NRL however and the 24-year-old could attract some big money offers for his services if and when he returns to Australia.

As for where, Holmes said every team would be an option for the former Queensland and Australian representative.

“Obviously Townsville is my home, where I’m from,” he said. “And the Sharks, I played with them for the past five years so I’m sure whatever team can fit me in. I’d be happy to go anywhere.

“But my focus is to try and fit in this team (the Jets).”

Natalia Holmes is reportedly looking for homes in New York for the pair.

The deadline for NFL franchises to name their 53-man playing rosters for the 2019-20 season is Sunday.

If he were to return to the NRL, Holmes believes he could slot straight back in immediately.

“I think I’d be around the same (weight). I put on a few a kilos towards the end of my 2018 season and I’ve probably hit that now so I’m around 91 and that’s normally what I play at,” Holmes said.

“It’s not that hard to try and stay in shape. Obviously I’ve been doing a lot of training — it’s a bit different but I wouldn’t say I’m unfit.

“I’m sure I’d be able to do the fitness in the amount of time (to be ready for the NRL).”

Holmes impressed in his final pre-season hitout with a team high five catches for 55m for the Jets in their 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday.

While he didn’t have too many opportunities to impress, Jets fans and reporters are positive on the former rugby league star and want him to stick around.

#Jets should keep Valentine Holmes around on PS. Had a nice preseason

— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) August 30, 2019

Most productive preseason game for Valentine Holmes in Week 4 finishing with:
- 5 runs for 0 yards
- 5 recep for 55 yards
- No returns

Showed receiving ability at multiple levels & limitations as a runner vs yes, 3rd & 4th stringers. Prediction: 11th spot on #Jets practice squad

— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) August 30, 2019

Valentine Holmes with two carries for minus two yards in the Jets' final pre-season game with a quarter to go.

It was going to take a miracle to see him even get more touches, let alone significant gains. I hope he keeps working hard at it. #NFL #NFLPreseason

— Alexander Grant (@AlexGrantOz) August 30, 2019

— with AAP

Originally published as NFL 2019 | Valentine Holmes’ back up plan