“For me, it was about putting myself in the best situation, and I came here and hopefully we can continue and go on to more successful things.’’
Even when Jets coach Rex Ryan seemed to make it personal, bidding Ellis adieu by saying, “There’s no way I’m going to wish him well,’’ Ellis knew it was nothing more than a business matter. He knew he had become a salary-cap consideration who didn’t fit into the Jets’ plans.
“You know Rex is Rex and he’s going to voice his opinion, whether it’s jokingly or being serious,’’ Ellis said. “I just didn’t pay any attention to it.
“I’m here, I’m happy to be here, and I’m just ready to go out there and play.’’
The move from Florham Park, N.J., to Foxborough proved to be a sound business decision.
Ellis, 34, more than quadrupled the $910,000 minimum the Jets were offering for 10-year veterans when he agreed to a one-year deal with the Patriots worth $4 million, which included a $1.5 million base salary and a $1.75 million roster bonus.
It also came with a $750,000 signing bonus that nearly matched the Jets’ total offer.
“Shaun has had some really big games against New England,’’ said former teammate Damien Woody, who likely would have had to face Ellis this weekend had he not retired. “Sometimes when you get in a situation like that, you know, as an opposing team, you’re like, ‘Man, this guy has just been killing us - why not bring him aboard?’
“When the Jets made their offer, the Patriots made one that was substantially more. Obviously it was an easy decision for him.’’
Mindful of how he twice sacked Tom Brady in a 28-21 playoff victory last Jan. 16, the Patriots hope Ellis can bring that same pressure to bear against Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.
“Oh yeah, he gave us problems in the past,’’ said Patriots left guard Logan Mankins of Ellis, who ranks third on the Jets’ all-time sack list with 72 ½ and had Pro Bowl appearances in 2003 and 2009. “Now, he’s on our side, and we don’t have to worry about him.’’
But Woody isn’t convinced that Ellis can reprise the role he had with the Jets as a dominant pass-rusher for the Patriots.
