Heading into this abbreviated offseason, the Jets made re-signing wideout Santonio Holmes their first priority. Well, check that off the list. According to multiple sources, the Jets have agreed to a five-year extension with Holmes on Wednesday, believed to be in the $50 million range. He will receive about $24 million in guaranteed money. According to ESPN, the Jets had a hard decision to make about which wideout to bring back, and this contract could mean that Braylon Edwards is out the door.
The deal is for five years, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. By rule, Holmes isn't permitted to sign the contract until Friday. Holmes' deal, believed to be in the $10 million-a-year range, is so big that it probably means they can't afford to re-sign Braylon Edwards, another high-profile free agent. Edwards is coming off a strong season, but the Jets prioritized Holmes because of his speed and game-changing ability.
Holmes is one of the most productive and reliable wide receivers in the NFL, and bringing him back means that Mark Sanchez will retain one of his favorite targets. We'll have more on this signing, including reaction from Holmes and the organization, ad it becomes available.