NFL Free Agency Speculation: Braylon Edwards Finding New Team?

The Jets have a lot of offseason issues, not the least of which is what to do at the wide receiver position.

The Jets have gone from a talented group of receivers in Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Brad Smith to a suddenly barren state at the position.

All three men are free agents, and none have signed as of yet with the lockout looming and salary cap uncertainty in the NFL.

The Jets chose to designate linebacker David Harris with the franchise tag, making this group of receivers free agents.

The Jets have indicated that they want Santonio Holmes first, and the future of Brad Smith and Braylon Edwards with the Jets is uncertain. 

If the Jets sign two of the three, you have to figure that Edwards may be the odd man out, given his looming DUI issue, and inconsistent play.

So if they cut ties with Edwards, who could be the leading candidate for his services?

Why He Won't Return to the Jets

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: C.J. Spiller from the Clemson Tigers holds up a Buffalo Bills jersey after he was selected number 9 overall by the Bills during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Phot

Though Edwards has expressed a desire to be a Jet, the most obvious reason he won't return is the uncertainty related to the DUI.

But a very close second reason is the huge price tag the Jets put on his services.  It will cost a team a 1st and 3rd round draft pick to sign Edwards.  The Jets would love to add two picks of that caliber for their second wide receiver.

5. New York Giants

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Giants would love a big play receiver to team with Eli Manning (pictured) for huge plays in the passing game. 

The Giants were willing to work out Plaxico Burress, who teamed with Manning with wonderful results in 2007, upon his return from prison.  If they are willing to go after a player with those kinds of legal issues, a DUI shouldn't phase the Giants in pursuit of Braylon Edwards.

4. New England Patriots

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Deion Branch #84 of the New England Patriots tries to hold onto the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Ph

The Pats love to sign former Jets.  They absolutely love to stick it to their New York rivals in any way they can.

Although it's not usually the Patriots style to give up multiple draft picks for stars, the Patriots have a ton of extra picks at their disposal and a need at the wide receiver position with only Deion Branch (pictured) being any kind of threat to opposing defenses.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

The Eagles were rumored to be after Edwards when it was said he would be available the first time.  The Jets made the big trade, at that point and the Eagles went on with their young corps of receivers.

The Eagles have to be salivating at the idea of teaming Edwards up with Desean Jackson (pictured) and the big arm of Mike Vick for huge plays in the passing game.

2. St, Louis Rams

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams signals to his teammates during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

To say the Rams need a wide-out is an understatement and a half. 

Their leading receiver was Dan Amendola, who is a nice player, but not a big play threat.  He is more of a slot receiver taking quick slants and square ins and outs for first down.

Their biggest threat to stretch the field was Brandon Gibson, but he only hauled in two touchdowns for the season.

Will the Rams pony up the money and draft picks for this big play threat for QB Sam Bradford (pictured)?

1. Washington Redskins

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan answers questions from the media during the NFL Annual Meetings at the Roosevelt Hotel on March 22, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a NFL owners imposed lockout in effect sin

The 'Skins have shown that they have had little regard for draft picks in the past, and have an owner who loves to make the big splash.

He has a coach in Mike Shanahan (pictured) being questioned, a quarterback situation that was totally mishandled, and a wide receiving corps led by the aged Santana Moss.

Mike Shanahan would love a big play threat for his passing game, and Braylon could be their guy.