2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Reasons Braylon Edwards Could Be Back with the Jets

When the Jets decided to make Santonio Holmes their main priority in the 2011 offseason, they also waved farewell to Braylon Edwards. Edwards was with the Jets for two years before being sent away. He eventually joined the San Francisco 49ers, and while they managed to qualify for championship weekend this past year, the Jets had done that in the past two years. But Edwards had no role with the team. He was released from the team after injuries and a lack of productivity.  

Jet players Antonio Cromartie and Marquice Cole  were quick to send messages to Edwards on Twitter about a potential return to New York this offseason. And Edwards wasn't about to shy away about playing for the Jets again himself, tweeting that he may just be playing for the Jets again in 2012.

Enough with the Twitter though. Here are five reasons why Braylon Edwards, playing in MetLife Stadium for the Jets yet again, makes sense.

He Won't Be Too Expensive and Might Be Overlooked

After a season plagued by injuries, Edwards will not be a hot commodity in free agency. Edwards only managed to snag 15 catches for the 49ers in 2011, and he wasn't able to ever really explode for them like they had expected.

Similar to last offseason, where he settled for an incentive based deal, Edwards won't be the biggest target for teams, especially in a free agency that could feature names like Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne and DeSean Jackson. Edwards will likely slip through the cracks and sign cheap.

With the Jets' cash strapped, it makes sense for them to try and bring in a cheap receiver that could work well for the team. Low risk, high reward?

Chemistry with Sanchez

Some of the struggles that quarterback Mark Sanchez has dealt with could trace back to chemistry. Dustin Keller is the only receiver to play with Sanchez throughout his entire career, and none of the other receivers currently on the team have played with "The Sanchize" for two full seasons. Sanchez's connection with Edwards was strong, and there would be some familiarity back in the Jets huddle. 

This could be Sanchez's last chance as the starter of the Jets before the team looks elsewhere. Why not bring in a player who he has worked well with in the past?

The Jets Need a "Big Play Threat"

One thing that the Jets' offense truly lacked last season was a playmaker who could break for a huge play. The Jets had only two plays over 40 yards in all of 2011. Braylon Edwards on his own had four plays over 40 yards with the Jets in 2010. Edwards had the speed to make a short gain turn into a long score. 

Methodical, 10 plays for 80 yard drives are easy to come by when Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers are starting at quarterback for your team. With most other quarterbacks, an exciting long play is needed to put up points. The Jets attempts to have long successive drives this past season is a reason why they often were found punting without points.

He Had the Players' Support

Braylon Edwards seemed well respected and liked by his teammates, who never criticized him the way they have Santonio Holmes. Holmes, at the end of the season, was bashed hard by Tomlinson and other (mostly anonymous) players for his actions in the final game. Edwards never received that kind of public humiliation, likely because his teammates liked him. 

Antonio Cromartie went out of his way to say that the Jets missed Edwards' presence on Twitter. Holmes, Edwards and another ex-Jet in Jericho Cotchery were the creators of the "Flight Boys," a moniker acknowledging a bond between the receivers that was clearly missed this year. 

A team should want to have players who enjoy playing the game and players who are popular with teammates. I don't think it's a stretch to say Braylon is more popular among fans and teammates than Burress was with the Jets.

His Best Times Were in NY

Edwards came closest to winning a Super Bowl with Gang Green. The team went to two straight AFC Championships and relied on him throughout the journey. Compare that to stints with the Cleveland Browns, who booed him and basically threw him out of town, or the 49ers, where he had less catches than Ted Ginn throughout the season.

Perhaps instead of starting off somewhere fresh, Edwards would return to a team where he had success and produced with a fanbase who supported him. Edwards acknowledged that Jet fans treated him well. Being a fan favorite is an important factor for a lot of players, and he was just that with the Jets.