New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6), in red, jokes...

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6), in red, jokes around with wide receivers Braylon Edwards (17) and Brad Smith (16) during practice. (January 20, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Joe Epstein

WR Braylon Edwards can barely contain his excitement, knowing what may possibly lie ahead for him and his teammates.

“I’m trying to keep my cool, but we’re one win away from playing in the big dance. I’m excited and just trying to enjoy and relish every moment of it," he told reporters earlier today.

One thing that likely will calm his nerves is the recent news reported today by our own Bob Glauber and Rod Boone that the Jets plan to retain Edwards next season as a restricted free agent.

Edwards said he hadn't heard the news, but "if that’s something that they’re definitely doing, I’m excited."

He added: "I love playing here, like I’ve said before. I love the atmosphere the Jets have here. It’s a family atmosphere. It’s centered around winning. And if that’s what's going on, I’d be extremely happy and proud to be a Jet for years to come."

The 6-3, 215-pound receiver cited the ogranization's family atmosphere as one of the key reasons he felt so strongly about wanting to remain a Jet.

“I’ve seen so many good things, just from the area around here, to the team, to the players, to the way coach [Rex] Ryan coaches, to the way Woody is involved with the team, the Mike Tannenbaum-style of picking guys," Edwards said. "I’ve seen one side and this is another side – I don’t want to see a third side. This is my side right here."

Having a franchise quarterback -- who was inked to a five-year, $50 million deal -- also made Edwards' decision to stay with the team that much easier. During his days in Cleveland, the Browns went through Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey and Bruce Gradkowski, all at the QB spot.

“That’s definitely another thing for me. Stability, period," Edwards said.

"One, having a guy like Mark, who’s progressing well. He’s taken some tremendous strides over the last four weeks. Also, just having the team we have in place. Our team is consistent. The offensive line has worked together, now, three years in a row, we’ve got an offensive system in place – it isn’t going anywhere and it’s highly effective. …It’s just a lot of consistency and a lot of stability and that’s how you win at this level.”

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