Instant Analysis: Plaxico Burress agress with Jets

Ken Kelly

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I guess Plaxico Burress never saw Escape from New York. After much speculation that he wanted out of the area after spending the last 18 months in prison, he decided to stay in New York and sign with the Jets. This turn of events creates a ripple effect among many teams and players. We take a look in the latest edition of the “Instant Analysis.”

Plaxico Burress, WR NYJ
Burress is an interesting signing for the Jets. While he was always known to be on their list, many thought Randy Moss would have been the priority to sign over Burress to replace Braylon Edwards.

Over his nine year career with the Steelers and Giants, Plaxico has amassed 7,845 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns. At age 34, Burress will attempt to resurrect his career in the same city that put him away for weapons violations.

This is a great landing spot for Burress as he’ll likely start opposite Santonio Holmes. Time will tell if Burress still has the athletic ability to be a productive player. He’ll certainly have to can find a renewed work ethic to get himself into playing shape. If he can, the opportunities are going to be there for him – Braylon Edwards had over 100 targets last season playing the same position.

Plax has himself a second chance. If he makes the most of it, he can be a useful WR3 with potential for more in the Jets offense. He belongs on a contending team as a “wait and see” type of player, but should be moved immediately if he’s on a rebuilding team since he has only a handful of seasons left at best.

Santonio Holmes, WR NYJ
This signing doesn’t change too much for Holmes.  He’ll still be the number one receiving option for the Jets and should be a fine WR2 for the foreseeable future.

Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ
Sanchez faced the possibility of losing Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith all this offseason. While Smith and Edwards aren’t going to be back, getting Holmes and Burress should help in his development. The Jets lost out on Nnamdi Asomugha, but all is not lost this offseason.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR NYJ
Cotchery is going to be bumped back to the number three spot on the depth chart unless Burress does a total faceplant. He’s barely roster worthy in deep leagues.

Dustin Keller, TE NYJ
Keller could be a bit of a loser in this deal since Burress is such a red zone threat. Keller has been underutilized in his career thus far and there’s a chance that could continue now. This signing is likely going to diminish the chance he had at being a TE1 this season, but remember, Plax is only on a one year deal.

Braylon Edwards, WR FA
Edwards is out of the mix for Jets now that they’ve signed Burress. There are lots of receiver needy teams out there, but New York was really one of the best situations he could have had. We’ll have to see what happens in the coming days, but Edwards has to be disappointed to not be in the plans for the Jets.

Randy Moss, WR FA
The Jets were the only team mentioned for the services of Moss. With Burress in the fold, it’s highly unlikely they make a move for Moss now. Is this the end of the road?  Maybe the dream team in Philadelphia will make a run at him – they’ve wanted everyone else in free agency this season.


ken kelly