The Jets have acquired wide receiver Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers this evening in exchange for a fifth round pick in this year's upcoming draft.Holmes, the Super Bowl MVP two seasons ago, had some off the field troubles this offseason. In recent days it came out that he is facing a four-game suspension under the league's substance abuse policy. He is facing a civil lawsuit in Florida from a woman who claims he threw a glass at her, cutting her above the eye, in an Orlando nightclub. The police also have been investigating the woman's claims. Holmes denies hurting the woman, and a witness has since taken responsibility for tossing the glass, according to Holmes' lawyer.
When Eric Mangini was coaching the Jets, the team was known for bringing in what he termed character players. Rex Ryan, however, has not shied from bringing in players who have had off-the-field issues. The unmarried Antonio Cromartie has seven children with six women and was fronted $500,000 of his salary when signed by the Jets to take care of child support issues. Braylon Edwards was facing assault charges in Cleveland when Ryan brought him in. He later pleaded no contest.
But Edwards played well last season for the Jets, and didn't have any legal issues stemming from his time in New York. Ryan must feel his leadership can keep those things from being a distraction or he wouldn't risk unraveling the chemistry that got the Jets 30 minutes from the Super Bowl last season.
In four seasons in Pittsburgh, the 26-year-old Holmes -- the MVP of the 2009 Super Bowl -- had 235 catches for 3,835 yards and 20 touchdowns.
In New York, Holmes gives quarterback Mark Sanchez another big-time target to throw to in an offense that already had Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, promising tight end Dustin Keller and recently signed running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
As a Jet fan, I, of course, am absolutely ecstatic about this trade. A fifth round pick for a former Super Bowl MVP? Are you kidding me?! Absolutely amazing job by Mike Tannenbaum, again.
I am still in a state of shock and I feel like I am in a dream with the news of this acquisition.
The Jets have become huge winners this offseason, an offseason that many thought they would not have a big part in because of the "final four" rules under the collective bargaining agreement that runs out after this season.
However, I did not know about the news of this potential four game suspension until I did some research on this trade, and I have to say that it troubles me. Even though it is only a fifth round pick that the Jets had to surrender for a receiver that definitely has number one receiver ability, the baggage coming with this potential suspension is big. Was it worth it? I sure hope so, but time is going to be the deciding factor, of course.
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