Plaxico Burress Signing: Will This Fix New York Jets' Red-Zone Problems?

It's been a little over two years since Plaxico Burress—who was released from prison last month after serving two years—last stepped onto a football field.

Yet, that didn't stop the New York Jets from signing the 34-year-old receiver to a one-year deal in which he is guaranteed $3,017,000, without seeing him work-out beforehand.

After dancing with Asomugha—the most coveted free agent of 2011—for a while, and eventually losing out to the Philadelphia Eagles in signing him, the Jets looked to fill their other vacant position: They needed a WR.

Signing Santonio Holmes to a five-year contract worth $50 million didn't leave them much money to play with. They couldn't offer Braylon Edwards a contract extension and lost him to the 49ers for $3.5 million, $1 million guaranteed. The Jets also had to try and allocate the money towards other needs, i.e., the CB position and re-signing David Harris.

Yes, Plaxico has put up some impressive numbers as a receiver not only as a NY Giant, but also throughout his career (505 receptions, 7,845 yards, 55 TD catches).

And yes, he is a big target standing at 6'5".

But despite his past achievements, Plaxico has been away from the game for over two years! He wasn't in football shape, as shown in some minor injuries he received throughout the preseason.  Plaxico's most notable performance came against the Cincinnati Bengals defense in the preseason, with three receptions and a touchdown.

Everyone knows the New York Jets need to solve their red-zone efficiency problems, but it's not the WR position that's the problem.

Last year they had more-than-capable receivers that put up good numbers, i.e., Edwards, Holmes, Keller and Cotchery. Signing Burress over Edwards or Cotchery won't solve the problem... as is evident during the first strings preseason performance thus far. The first-team unit struggled in its game against the Giants (Burress was held to no catches that game). Yes, it was a short preseason due to the NFL lockout, but the start of the regular season is only a few days away. 

Their red-zone deficiencies come from QB Mark Sanchez and his decisions, NY Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and his play-calling, the entire offense! So why would adding Plaxico Burress to the offense solve anything?

Only time will tell.

The New York Jets offense will be put to the test this season. Let's hope they will be ready to take off and average 30 points per game.

First up, the Dallas Cowboys on September 11.