New York Jets Reportedly Sign Wide Receiver Braylon Edwards

In a move that was rumored for most of the day, the New York Jets have signed free-agent wide receiver Braylon Edwards after landing him on waivers this afternoon.

The move was announced via Twitter by Manish Mehta of the Daily News.

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It's official: I'm told the Jets did, in fact, put in a waiver claim for Braylon Edwards and got him. He's officially a Jet. #nyj

— Manish Mehta(@MMehtaNYDN) December 11, 2012

 

 

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The Jets released running back Khalil Bell to make room for Edwards, according to the New York Post's Brian Costello.

Edwards was released by the Seahawks on December 4 on an injury settlement after catching just eight passes for 74 yards in 10 games this year. He has been battling a knee injury most of the season.

Edwards played 28 games for the Jets between 2009 and 2010 and was a favorite target for Mark Sanchez during his first two seasons in the NFL.

During his time in New York, Edwards caught 90 passes for 1,445 yards and seven touchdowns.  

However, after leaving the Jets via free agency in 2011, Edwards has seen his production drop off a cliff. While playing for the 49ers last year, Edwards caught just 15 passes for 184 yards before being released.

Despite his lack of production over the past two seasons, Edwards' veteran presence will be a boon to an offense that has shuttled in eight different wide receivers in 2012.

The Jets' wide receiver corps was so thin after Stephen Hill's injury in Week 14 that the team spent much of the game with Mardy Gilyard, Jeremy Kerley and Chaz Schilens as Sanchez's only three options at the position.

On December 4, Edwards made news when he showed his support on Twitter for Sanchez and referred to the Jets' front office as "idiots."

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Don't blame Sanchez. I played there. Blame the idiots calling shots. Mark is a beast and will probe it when given a proper chance

— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) December 4, 2012"

 

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Shortly after the initial tweet, Edwards apologized for his outburst in protecting his friend:

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I would like to apologize to the Jets family and my fans for my emotional outburst.Mark is a friend and former teammate, who I...

— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) December 4, 2012"

 

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The 29-year-old Edwards will become the oldest skill-position player on an offense overrun with injuries and inexperience.

Whether he can be a productive receiver or not remains to be seen, but at the very least, he will provide Sanchez with a much-needed boost in confidence as well as a veteran presence in the offense.

In addition, Edwards has always been lauded for his blocking ability as a receiver. With the Jets relying heavily on the ground game down the stretch, that is a skill that can't be overlooked.

For all your Jets news, follow RC Cos and the B/R Jets Report on Twitter: @BR_Jets_Report