The New York Jets have signed Braylon Edwards to boost their depleted group of wide receivers. This is a sensible. low-risk move that will likely be very popular with the fanbase considering Edwards’ success with the team in 2009 and 2010. Despite struggling since leaving New York, Edwards had good chemistry with quarterback Mark Sanchez and was a productive vertical receiver for the team, especially throughout 2010 when he had 53 catches for 904 yards and 7 touchdowns. Considering the Jets were looking at starting Jeremy Kerley and Chaz Schilens at receiver this Monday night with Mardy Gilyard as the number three, this provides an immediate upgrade in a needed area.

In the worst-case scenario, the Jets get nothing from Edwards the final three games and let him walk in the off-season at no cost to the 2013 team. In the best case scenario, they get a productive Edwards and bring him back on a low-cost contract in 2013 which gives them needed depth and a mentor to Stephen Hill at split end. Santonio Holmes, Jeremy Kerley, Stephen Hill and Edwards is a good situation to walk into next year with at wide receiver, allowing the Jets to focus on improving in the many other areas they need to.

Edwards has been banged up the past two years but if he is healthy he provides excellent size and good deep speed. There is no reason to think he won’t step into playing a good chunk of reps this Monday Night. Ironically, his Jets debut in 2009 also came on Monday Night and he came up with 5 catches for 64 yards with a touchdown. Considering how the Jets offense has played the past few weeks, any numbers that even approach that would make the signing worthwhile.

Considering that Edwards publicly called the Jets front office “idiots” only a couple weeks ago, this move shows just how desperate people in the front office are to make sure this team finishes strong. Rex Ryan was always a fan of Edwards but Mike Tannnebaum (who is deservedly on the hot seat and should be fired) certainly can’t be and still pulled the trigger on this move. Regardless, the move makes sense from a football perspective and is certainly better than just bringing Jason Hill or Patrick Turner back another time, right? So let’s enjoy that and hope for the best.

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