Desperate for a dependable No. 2 receiver behind Jerricho Cotchery, the Jets have been expressing interest in former Giants wide out Plaxico Burress. But according to the Daily News, New York's AFC representatives are slowly backing off the troubled receiver for at least the time being.
Burress may be indicted by a grand jury in late September after his felony gun case was adjourned last week. The 6-foot-5, 232-pound receiver may face up to 15 years in prison with gun charges, but according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, the trial isn't expected to begin until 2010.
After the departure of Laveranues Coles, Cotchery remains the lone Jet target with legit experience. After the five-year vet, the next most experienced receiver is Brad Smith, who has 53 career receptions in three seasons. Needless to say, the Jets are on the lookout.
"Any good football player, we're going to monitor their situation," Jets coach Rex Ryan told Sirius NFL radio according to the Daily News. "But to us, really, nothing's changed. I know it sounds funny, but we're happy with our guys. … Do we have that Pro Bowl receiver? No, we don't, but we feel pretty good about our unit."
The Daily News' Rich Cimini reported late last week:
"If the Jets stay away from Burress, it would create disappointment in the locker room. Several team leaders, in interviews last week with the Daily News, strongly endorsed a potential Burress signing. Previously, owner Woody Johnson said he wouldn't stand in the way, claiming the decision was up to GM Mike Tannenbaum."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell still may suspend Burress for next season on the grounds of violating the league's strict personal conduct policy, but Rosenhaus doesn't believe a further suspension will happen.
"We are confident that the NFL will not have grounds to discipline Plax until after the adjudication of his case after this season," Rosenhaus said. "It is important to note that Plax was already suspended five games in '08 by the Giants after the incident. Also keep in mind that Plax has not been in violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy prior to this incident."
