NFL Free Agency 2011: Who Is Staying and Who Is Going for the New York Jets

One of the reasons many experts said it's all or nothing for the Jets this season is because of the number of free agents the Jets have this year.

Now they have many tough decisions to make this offseason as many key players are free agents. 

They can't keep everybody so here is who's staying and who's going for the Jets.

David Harris

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: David Harris #52 of the New York Jets lines up against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Jets won 38-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

David Harris had one of his best years in his four-season career. He is a promising linebacker who many are calling one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

He played a key role in the Jets success stopping the run, which was ranked third this season. He was a staple to the Jets defense with 99 tackles and three sacks.

The former Michigan Wolverine was also voted for the team MVP.

Staying or going: Staying

Harris is the Jets' top priority of all the free agents. Expect Harris to get a big contract and for him to be one of the first Jets player to be re-signed.

Santonio Holmes

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Jets traded for Holmes with a fifth-round pick in what now seems like a huge steal. Despite serving a four-game suspension, he became Sanchez's top target with 746 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games (including the playoffs). 

Holmes was a big playmaker this season with his great hands and blazing speed. 

Staying or going: Staying

It's going to be hard for the Jets to keep both Edwards and Holmes. It seems like it's going to come down to which one they want most, and that player would be Santonio Holmes.

Also, you have to take into account that Holmes was well behaved this season unlike Edwards with his DUI arrest early in the season.

Braylon Edwards

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Wide receiver Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets reacts to a call during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by

Edwards improved significantly this season racking up 904 yards and seven touchdowns, as opposed to last season where he only 541 yards and four scores.

He also improved his catching skills greatly. Last year he had a bad case of the dropsies but in 2010 he rarely dropped passes.

An DUI in the beginning of the season might still put him in a bad light with the organization.

Staying or going: Going

Again, it might come down to Holmes or Edwards and Holmes wins that battle. It's very tough to keep both with all the free agents this year. 

Still, the Jets are very thin at WR with only having four on the active roster. It's tough to call if the Jets will keep both, but for now expect Edwards to gone next year.

Antonio Cromartie

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mewelde Moore #21 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass over Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets in the third quarter of the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Antonio Cromartie had a good season with the Jets. He did a great job replacing Revis in the beginning of the season and was good throughout the season.

He has his flaws though: He is afraid to get physical and had trouble with penalties and was exposed by Pierre Garcon in the first round of the playoffs.

Staying or going: Staying

Jets are thin at the cornerback position with Kyle Wilson looking like a bust in his first season.

Cromartie has his flaws, but he had a good season and considering the Jets gave up a second-round pick for him, I doubt they will get rid of their investment.

LaDainian Tomlinson

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Pho

The Jets originally wanted to make Shonn Greene their feature back this year, but he struggled in the beginning so they went with Tomlinson.

Tomlinson did great in the beginning of the season but struggled at the end. The opposite went for Shonn Greene who stepped up at the end of the year.

Although Tomlinson is not a free agent, there have been talks about the Jets cutting him in order to save money.

Tomlinson had 914 rushing yards this season and six touchdowns. He has also been a great receiving back for Sanchez and helped him find a check-down back when he was in trouble.

Staying or going: Going

The Jets will probably make Shonn Greene their feature back and will reduce Tomlinson's role next season. Also, with the success of Joe McKnight against the Bills, the Jets might consider McKnight to have the potential to upgrade to a second back that can receive like Tomlinson.

With all the free agents that the Jets need to sign, it's not looking good for Tomlinson.

Shaun Ellis

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets takes the field with his teammates to play against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. T

Shaun Ellis is entering his 12th season in the NFL, all with the Jets.

His production dropped this year from 6.5 sacks last year to 4.5 sacks this year and 53 tackles last year to 36 this year.

Staying or going: Staying

Defensive end is another position the Jets are thin at and I doubt they want another position to need. Ellis is getting old so they will probably sign him to a short-term contract for not that much money.

There still is a pretty big chance he might be going because of his age and the Jets' struggle with pass rushing throughout the season.

Brad Smith

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02: Brad Smith #16 of the New York Jets runs down field against the Buffalo Bills at New Meadowlands Stadium on January 2, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

Brad Smith was a key player in the offense, confusing defenses with the Seminole formation. He also was a key player on special teams, returning multiple kicks for touchdowns during the season.

Staying or going: 50/50 chance either way

Brad Smith is too important to the special teams and the offense. His speed and threat to throw keep defenses on their toes in the Seminole formation. He is one of the best kick returners in the NFL.

However, he is replaceable though. Cromartie did a great job returning kicks in the Colts game and the Jets are in talks with CFL player, Chad Owens, who is similar to Smith. It really depends on how much Smith wants; right now I'm saying there's a 50/50 chance he leaves.

Other Free Agents

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Brodney Pool #22 of the New York Jets runs down field after intercepting a pass intended for Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23,

Brodney Pool: Staying

Had some rough spots in the season but finished strong.

Tony Richardson: Going

He's probably retiring, but either way the Jets don't need him now that they have John Connor.

Drew Coleman: Going

Will probably be replaced with Kyle Wilson.

Eric Smith: Staying

A great backup, stepped up as a starter for Jim Leohnard.

James Ihedigbo: Staying

A key blitzer and special teams player; he will stay.

Nick Folk: Going

His inconsistency seems to be a concern. Seems 50/50 whether he will play again for the Jets or not.

Steve Weatherford: Staying

Improved greatly as a punter this season; no chance he's leaving.

Kellen Clemens: Going

Will probably want to try and pursue his dreams of becoming a starter somewhere else.