Jets forced to choose among receivers

Braylon Edwards leaves little doubt where his heart is, again making it clear that his preference is to suit up for the Jets in 2011.

There was essentially no hesitation Friday when the wide receiver was asked if continuing his career in New York was at the top of his free-agent wish list.

"Most definitely," Edwards told reporters after pleading guilty to a DWI charge stemming from his September arrest in Manhattan. "I'm glad that we got it resolved today before free agency is officially open. So that's definitely good for us, but at the same time, I don't know. You may have some teams that are leery. You may have some teams, hopefully the one I'm standing in now, that are OK with it.

"I can't really speculate what they're going to do."

But whether Edwards gets his wish remains to be seen. The Jets have a huge decision to make with their free-agent wide receivers. They likely won't be able to retain Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Brad Smith because of the $120.4-million salary cap.

Holmes is said to be the Jets' top priority and he's looking for a long-term deal just like Edwards.

Special-teams standout Brad Smith may be forced to look for work elsewhere since the Jets drafted TCU's Jeremy Kerley, someone who they believe can step in and contribute as a wide receiver and core special teamer.

Once the lockout is lifted, the roster roulette will begin and the Jets will begin reshaping their roster. With that in mind, Edwards didn't want the dark cloud of a trial hanging over him while searching for his big payday. Nor did he want to ruin any possible shot at re-signing with the team for which he posted 903 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010.

Holmes, entering his sixth season, is just like everyone else embarking on a first taste of unrestricted free agency. He's looking for a big long-term deal, and there's been recent speculation the Redskins -- with deep-pocketed owner Daniel Snyder -- have Holmes atop their wish list.

So either way, the Jets are going to have to cough up some serious cash to keep the Super Bowl XLIII MVP, who said in April at a New Jersey memorabilia show that he likely was going with the top offer.

"Whatever my agent brings to the table -- the best deal for me -- I'm pretty sure that's where we'll end up," Holmes said then. "I would love . But whatever happens, happens. I've never been in this situation before. I really don't know how to explain it to anybody. Whatever happens . . . I'm happy to be wherever I end up at."

A choice between Holmes and Edwards will be difficult. Each brings his own set of talents -- Edwards is a big target at 6-3; Holmes is a speedster -- and Edwards wasn't about to get into a debate on how the two measure up against each other.

"I wouldn't compare myself to 'Tone; he's a friend as well as a teammate," Edwards said. "He's a great player. I'm a great player. We both offer a lot on the field as well as off. So it's just a matter of, if we can't get both of them, whatever one they want to go with.

"It's their call, really. If it is him, I wish him nothing but the best."

Free agents

QB Kellen Clemens
CB Marquice Cole
CB Drew Coleman
CB Antonio Cromartie
WR Braylon Edwards
DE Shaun Ellis
LB David Harris*
OL Wayne Hunter
WR Santonio Holmes
DB James Ihedigbo
PK Nick Folk
LB Lance Laury
S Brodney Pool
FB Tony Richardson
WR Brad Smith
S Eric Smith
OL Robert Turner
P Steve Weatherford
*2011 franchise player

Possible targets

Randy Moss, WR, Titans
The veteran has been linked as a possible cheap compliment to either Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards if the Jets can’t sign both of their two key free agent wideouts. Would have to be on a tight leash after playing for three teams in 2010.

Plaxico Burress, WR
Following his two-plus seasons away from the game after serving 20 months for weapons violations, Burress has to something to prove. He appears to be motivated to return to form and probably would be an inexpensive option, though he turns 34 next month.

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders
It’s a dream scenario – ink the shutdown corner and pair him with All-Pro Darrelle Revis for a fearsome tandem. But it’s a longshot at best. Asomugha will likely be looking for a hefty deal similar to the four-year, $46 million Revis signed in September.

Roderick Boone’s analysis

With 18 free agents dotting key positions all across the board, the Jets will have a bevy of tough decision to make once free agency begins. Nothing is as pressing as their situation at wide receiver.

Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith are all unsigned and the Jets are going to have to make a major play to keep either Holmes or Edwards. Holmes, thought to be the Jets’ top target among the two, won’t come cheaply, but that’s who the Jets should go hard after. Following his four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, Holmes showed his big-play ability countless times and has an uncanny knock to come through in late-game situations. He’s already proven it on the biggest stage possible, earning Super Bowl XLIII MVP honors with the Steelers.

Besides figuring out things at wide receiver, the Jets have to decide whether to give cornerback Antonio Cromartie top dollar. And they should – given it’s a reasonable amount. Cromartie has made it known he’d like to return but won’t give a hometown discount, and letting him walk after surrendering a second-round pick wouldn’t be seen in the best light. He was a valuable part of a secondary that needs to see the likes of free agent safeties Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Idehigbo re-signed.

The Jets’ offensive line depth also must be addressed since reserves Wayne Hunter and Rob Turner are free agents. Remember, the Jets released right tackle Damien Woody a salary-cap casualty in February, and although they’ve made it clear they want him back, what if the 12-year veteran doesn’t return? They’d really be in trouble.