It still seems highly unlikely, but Jets coach Rex Ryan left the door open for a return by wide receiver Braylon Edwards.
That reunion comes with a very big if, though, that Edwards won’t like.
“If Braylon wants to come back for what we can pay, come on back, Braylon,” Ryan said yesterday.
Edwards made $6.1 million last year and it’s pretty clear he’s looking for a pay raise, considering how long he’s remained on the free agent market. The Jets opted for Plaxico Burress because he is a cheaper alternative to Edwards.
Then, there are Edwards’ legal problems. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DWI charge last month in Manhattan, and then had his probation extended in Cleveland. This week, a group Edwards was with got into a fight at a bar in Michigan. At first it sounded as if Edwards was not part of the fight, but a report in the Birmingham (Mich.) Observer said Edwards may have been involved in the dispute that ended with a bouncer being stabbed in the neck with a fork and another bouncer being stabbed with a knife.
The bar issued a statement that said Edwards was “present and involved.” He has not been charged in the incident.
**
The Jets re-signed safety Brodney Pool to a one-year deal, according to a source. Pool had 53 tackles, a sack and an interception last year. The team re-signed Eric Smith last week, and he is expected to be the starter. He and Pool split time opposite Jim Leonhard last year.
**
Third-round pick Kenrick Ellis said his legal problems in Virginia are not a distraction. The nose tackle faces felony assault charges in relation to an incident at Hampton University, where he was a student.
“That’s a legal issue,” Ellis said. “It is what it is, man. I just want to play football. It’s a legal issue. I can’t really speak on it right now.”
Ellis said he is adjusting to the speed of the NFL game and to how difficult the playbook can be to understand.
**
Yesterday, linebacker David Harris was still absorbing the fact he received a four-year, $36 million contract Tuesday night. The Jets had promised Harris they would take care of him once the lockout was over. He is glad they followed through.
“I wasn’t losing sleep about it but it was always in the back of my mind,” Harris said. “I knew that once the CBA was done with I knew I was going to get an extension. I just didn’t know when. Luckily it was early in the process and we came to an agreement.”
**
Today’s practices are closed to the public.
***
According to a cbssports.com report, the Jets will bring in wide receiver Derrick Mason for a physical tomorrow and he could sign shortly after.