FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Braylon
Edwards hopes to finish his career with the New York Jets amid a
published report Wednesday that the team will tender an offer to him
after the season.
Newsday, citing an anonymous source,
reported that the Jets plan to place a contract tender on Edwards, a
restricted free agent in March, that would require a team to give New York first- and third-round picks if it signs him.
"I hadn't heard anything about it,
but if that's something they're definitely doing, I'm excited," Edwards
said. "I love playing here and I love the atmosphere around here. It's
a family atmosphere that's centered around winning. If that's what's
going on, I would be extremely happy and proud to be a Jet for years to
come."
Edwards, a former first-round pick
out of Michigan in 2005, was traded from Cleveland to New York in
October after four-plus seasons with the Browns.
"I've seen one side and this is
another side, and I don't want to see another side," he said. "I think
this is my side right here."
Edwards has four catches for 56 yards
in two postseason games with the Jets, who play at Indianapolis on
Sunday for the AFC championship. He finished the regular season with 35
receptions for 541 yards and four scores with New York.
"It's crazy," he said. "I never
would've thought I would be in this situation. So, to be here is just a
blessing and I'm excited. I'm trying to keep my cool, but we're one win
from playing in the big dance."
It's been a hectic year for Edwards,
who has been highly criticized for dropping too many passes during his
career. He was accused of punching a friend of NBA star LeBron James on
Oct. 5, was traded to the Jets two days later and then pleaded not
guilty to misdemeanor assault in November.
Edwards was placed on probation last
Tuesday after pleading no contest to misdemeanor aggravated disorderly
conduct, and could face discipline from the NFL after the season.
He said he is focused only on
football now, and is excited about the prospect of playing several
years with Mark Sanchez after going through various quarterbacks in
Cleveland.
"That's definitely another thing for
me, just stability, period," Edwards said. "One, having a guy like Mark
who's progressing well and has been taking some tremendous strides over
the last four weeks. Also, just having the team we have in place, our
team is consistent. … There's a lot of consistency and a lot of
stability and that's how you win at this level."