Edwards Signs With 49ers

WR Braylon Edwards signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

WR Braylon Edwards, formerly of the New York Jets, signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth $3.5 million. Edwards was one of several marquee wide receivers that was on the market longer than expected, but nonetheless, it is a good signing for the 49ers. Edwards was decent for the Jets this past season, catching 53 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns. Edwards was instrumental to QB Mark Sanchez during the Jets' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular season, catching eight passes for 100 yards in his best game.

Edwards' addition to the 49ers adds to an already explosive offense with first-year coach Jim Harbaugh. With RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, and WR Michael Crabtree, Edwards should bolster a competent offense. The only question with their offense remains QB Alex Smith's ability to run the offense. Harbaugh is showing faith in him, as opposed to drafting a quarterback with their first-round pick or getting QB Kyle Orton from the Denver Broncos.

Edwards' tenure with the Jets was somewhat successful, but he also provided a headache to the organization. Recently, Edwards and his friends got into an altercation at a bar in Michigan, adding to his troubles. This past season, he was arrested for DUI and he had an altercation with one of Lebron James' friends during his time with the Cleveland Browns. Even so, Jets' coach Rex Ryan still wanted Edwards to re-sign with the team for a little bit of money.

Many people say Edwards' subtraction and WR Plaxico Burress' addition is going to hold their offense back a little, but that will not be the case. The one subtraction that will impact their offense this upcoming season is WR Brad Smith's departure to the Buffalo Bills. Smith was their best special teams player, but he also ran the Wildcat offense, in addition to being a good fourth receiver. The Jets have just cut WR Jerricho Cotchery as well, and it is reported that they will sign veteran WR Derrick Mason, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens. However, without Smith, the Jets' offense will take a small step back.

Even with their changes on offense, the Jets staple is their defense. Rex Ryan is an excellent defensive coach and has gotten the most out of his defensive players. Their performance in the playoffs, including against the Steelers when they lost, was outstanding. Sanchez is merely asked to not make mistakes and hand the ball off to the backs. That is the Jets' formula for success, and as long as they stick to it, Edwards' departure doesn't hurt their offense one bit.