NFL Free Agency: Braylon Edwards Could Give Kevin Kolb Another Target

After acquiring quarterback Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Arizona Cardinals are working to sign another target for him to utilize as training camp begins in earnest this week.

Braylon Edwards, formerly of the New York Jets, seems like a definite possibility to fill the void left by Steve Breaston, who departed for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic says talks are ongoing:

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"Cardinals (are) still talking to B. Edwards. At this point, it will be a short-term deal if it gets done."

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Inking another wide receiver before the preseason starts is key for the Cardinals if they plan on competing in the NFC West.

Larry Fitzgerald still managed to amass over 1,100 yards in 2010, despite lacking a legitimate second option in the passing game and mediocre-at-best quarterback play.

Edwards would give Fitzgerald the protection he had when Anquan Boldin used to man the opposite side of the field.

Fitzgerald caught just six touchdown passes last season, after a total of 35 in the previous three years alongside Boldin. This illustrates the importance of a second target, especially in the red zone.

After struggling with dropped passes early in his career, Edwards seemed to improve that aspect of his game in 2010, hauling in all but two catch-able passes.

He caught just 53 percent of his targets, but the low drop total means that is more likely due to Mark Sanchez's inaccuracy than Edwards' ability.

Following his best season since 2008, Edwards likely went into the offseason expecting a long-term contract with a lot of guaranteed money once the lockout ended.

That hasn't materialized due to a strong crop of free-agent receivers. All of the rumors around him point toward a one-year deal.

Aside from the plethora of options available at his position, Edwards' off-field problems, most notably violating probation by pleading guilty to DUI last month, have shrunk his market.

By accepting a one-year deal with the Cardinals, he could return to free agency next summer and hope there is less competition for the available money.

His arrival would immediately boost the fantasy value of Fitzgerald and Kolb.

Fitzgerald could potentially return to his 100-catch, 1,400-yard peak and provide 10-12 touchdowns. Kolb, who was completely off fantasy radars until his trade, would push himself into the conversation to be selected after the top eight quarterbacks are gone.

As for Edwards, he would project out to about 65 catches for just over 1,000 yards and six or seven touchdowns. That would rank him in the 25-to-30 range at the wideout spot, near guys like Steve Johnson and Percy Harvin.