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He might, just might, become a target of the Carolina Panthers.

The Jets have been trying to trade Robertson, the fourth overall pick in the 2003 draft, for more than a month, but haven't been able to close out a deal.

They tried to include him in the transaction when they traded for former Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. But Carolina wanted draft picks -- they received a third- and fifth-rounder -- and didn't want to inherit Robertson's big contract, according to sources.

Robertson has a $6.8 million base salary next season with a $3 million roster bonus due June 2.

Cincinnati, Denver and Detroit have been involved in trade talks with the Jets regarding Robertson (6-1, 317 pounds). The Bengals reportedly were going to give the Jets a fourth- and fifth-round pick, but he failed Cincinnati's physical and the deal fell through.

Robertson has played for several years with a bone-on-bone injury in one of his knees. He hasn't missed a game because of it, but it could shorten his career. (He has started 75 games during his five-year career, recording 256 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks.)

There is now speculation that the Jets might have to cut him, though they're saying publically that they may keep him. But with all New York has spent in free agency on players like Jenkins, Alan Faneca and Calvin Pace, it's highly unlikely they'll pay Robertson the $3 million roster bonus in June.

Robertson has been a no-show so far at the Jets' offseason conditioning workouts.

If the Jets release him, his contract will expire and teams would have the chance to negotiate a new deal more to their liking.

If that happens, sources say Carolina likely will get involved, though it isn't clear how much they'd be willing to pay. The Panthers desperately need defensive tackle help and Robertson is superior to the other free agents currently available at that position.

The Jets thought Robertson, 26, wasn't strong enough to play nose tackle in their 3-4 defense and essentially replaced him with Jenkins. But Robertson should be a much better fit in a 4-3 defense, which the Panthers use