Browns trade Edwards to Jets
Published 4:39 am Thursday, October 8, 2009
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Braylon Edwards’ arrival was picture-perfect for the New York Jets.
The talented but troubled wide receiver was acquired from Cleveland on Wednesday and showed up at the team’s facility shortly after practice ended — just in time to try on his new green and white threads and be included in the team picture.
‘‘It was interesting getting off a plane and rushing right to a team photo,’’ Edwards said, smiling. ‘‘The guys in the locker room were good.’’
Edwards said he felt welcomed right away because he was a target of some good-natured jokes as soon as he walked into the locker room.
‘‘A couple of guys cracked on the pants I had on,’’ said Edwards, who already knows several of the Jets players. ‘‘I took that as a good sign.’’
The Jets dealt wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two undisclosed draft choices in return for Edwards, who has 10 receptions for 139 yards but was shut out for the first time in his career in the winless Browns’ 23-20 overtime loss to Cincinnati on Sunday.
‘‘I believe coming here to a team that’s doing well with a new head coach that has them going in the right direction … is a fresh start and a clean slate,’’ Edwards said.
Edwards was on his way to the Browns’ facility at 7:45 a.m. when he received a call from coach Eric Mangini, who told him to come to his office, where he was told of the deal.
‘‘I hadn’t any clue I was going to be traded,’’ Edwards said.
Edwards, in his fifth season, is expected to practice Thursday and coach Rex Ryan said he will start Monday night at Miami for the Jets.
‘‘I think he’s going to fit right in with our group,’’ Ryan said.
New York was lacking a legitimate deep threat for Mark Sanchez to throw to opposite Jerricho Cotchery, and the Jets believe Edwards will also help jumpstart the running game.