there isnt a chance in hell the Jets could get a third for J-Co after his performance this year. Especially after we got Holmes (a guy having a career year, one season removed from a super bowl MVP) for a 5th. Cotch is worth more to us as a player and leader than he is as a 6th-7th rounder. While I agree that it was never likely to happen, I still stand by the fact that it is worth everything Tanny has to try and keep both Holmes and Edwards this offseason. The development of Mark Sanchez (and limited draft picks, and the very pressing needs in the front 7) make it very important to do everything we can to keep both. Otherwise, where is the solid #2 going to come from? Does anybody really have any faith in Cotch to be that guy again? With the desperate needs in the front 7, can we afford to spend a high pick on a receiver? Even if you are, most rookie receivers are not contributing at a high level in their rookie seasons, WR is a position that takes particularly 3 years for the lightbulbs to go on. Who else could we bring in via FA to alleviate the need? If it's possible Tanny should do whatever it takes to bring back both. But NDMick is right, if there is only money for one, it's Holmes every time. Unless of course he drops another TD in the postseason. He won us 3 straight games and the Denver game, and then dropped away the Dolphins game, dropped that crossing route against GB which would have scored to put us ahead 7-6, he fumbled in the bears game giving them 7 points, early momentum and without that fumble who knows.... Holmes has made more game changing plays than Braylon has, unfortunately its nearly 50-50 in our favor, and in our opponents favor. This year braylon has been consistent and particularly the last two weeks he has shown how valuable he can be. I think Braylon would be cheaper to resign than we think, he loves NY and with the DUI mess and the stigma that he drops too many balls (even if this year he has not) he might be cheaper than we expect. but as Mick said, Holmes is the guy we need to keep around if we can only keep one.
i know im in the minority i go with Edwards. i have more faith in Edwards to stay out of trouble than I do for Holmes to not fail another piss test. I also think enough cant be said about Edwards run blocking as a WR. if the OL performed like last year itd be evident when he takes out the outside containment of the second level. Holmes is sick, obviously. I could do without the faggoty first down celebration on 10 yard outs while were down by more then 1 score. And for the amazing plays he made that basically are the difference between us being in the playoffs or not this year.........the Texans game. Who made that amazing bomb grab to make the pass to Holmes possible? Edwards. With Sanchez accuracy being real hit or miss I also prefer a larger framed reciever to give him some more options in ball placement on his throws. That being said I would be happy with either one. Holmes will only get better if given more time also. so we'd be lucky either way. I think Edwards would come cheaper or at least be more willing to negotiate. we basically gave him a second chance. We stole Holmes for a rental so he could display himself on a even bigger stage for free agency. we'll see.
Harris will get his Bart Scott type money (~8 mil/year). Holmes will get the same. Cro and BE should get offers in the 6 mil/year range. 4 or 5 years each. Not saying they're going to take it, but bonuses and guarantees should make it attractive. I've always wanted to be one of those teams where guys stick around just to increase their value, and we may have reached that level. It's tough to sell a receiver with a QB who is still learning, but our guys know what they have and hopefully want to continue it. And who the hell doesn't want to play D for Rex?!! That part should be easier when it comes to filling holes with mid-level FA. We need to draft a NT though.
I think people shouldn't overlook the fact that Braylon really wants to be here. Don't we want someone who wants to be a Jet in the green and white.
It's always the one who says he wants to come back who is the one to leave. Hopefully we can keep both of them.
Great post.......... I think Edwards has show alot over the season. He runs the deep stuff, the slants, he's usually double covered and he is a big time blocker at wideout.
I remember week 2. I hadn't seen much of Edwards, but I always heard people say that he drops the ball so much. Didn't he torch the Pats? I sure don't remember too many drops. My agony from watching the second half may have blinded me, though...
Hopefully they can resign both but if it can only be one then it would have to be Holmes. He is the more complete player. Edwards has a tendency to dissapear in some games and never be seen while it seems like Holmes no matter how the game is going is always involved. Edwards is the better vertical threat but Holmes is no slouch in that area and is very good at running those intermediate routes and turning them into big plays. If you could cut Cotchery and keep both I would probably do that (even though Cotchery is my favorite Jet) but im not sure how that would work cap wise and what type of cap hit the Jets would take by cutting him. Either way I wouldnt trade Cotchery as his value has diminished after an awful season this year. Cotchery was always one of the most sure handed receivers in the NFL and now it seems like he is dropping everything. He is worth more to us on this team then he would be in a trade for a 5th or 6th round draft pick. Harris-Holmes-Cro-Edwards. That should be Tanny's focus this off season in that order.
I want both but I have to agree. Edwards is listed as having 1 drop the entire year. Rex has praised him continuously when it comes to his run blocking. The big frame, jump ball guy is a more rare commodity than a short fast white guy who can run routes (The pats have 3 btw).
I would rather keep Braylon then Santonio. We all know superbowls are won with tall receivers. Plus the Dougie is way better then the airplane.
I would love to have both, but if we can't then I have to go with Holmes. We could tag and trade Edwards and try and find another receiver in the draft. It's a really tough call for me though, because they both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I'm sticking with Holmes because I like what I see from him as a leader on this team and his clutch play. Give him another year with Sanchez and it could be special. Edwards is no slouch though, I'm really glad he's catching and holding on to the pass thrown his way. Still a tough call though.
I chose Holmes simply because he is a far better football player and receiver. But he has more of a tendency to drop passes and I have no faith that he will stay out of trouble. However, his talent is just too much to deny.