For the Jets, the acquisition of Santonio Holmes was a low-risk, high-reward move.
For Braylon Edwards, the move could be costly.
Edwards, like Holmes, is heading into a contract year. Adding Holmes will further divide up a relatively limited passing game pie, no matter how much Mark Sanchez improves.
More damning for Edwards is that Holmes is a similar player, but better. Sure, Edwards is more physical. But ultimately they are both vertical threats fighting for similar passes. Holmes has better hands and makes more plays after the catch.
Throw in Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller to catch passes over the middle, and it’s hard to see Edwards breaking 1,000 yards in 2010 for the second time in his career. 800 might be lucky.
There is also the matter of a possible long-term extension. The Jets can likely only afford to keep Holmes or Edwards. We think Holmes is the superior player, and now the Jets could play the two against each other for leverage.
Add it all up, and the chances of Edwards’ modeling opportunities in NYC lasting past 2010 decreased last night.