2009 Possibility: Free Agent Plaxico Burress

As the offseason progresses, Gang Green Nation will take a look at potential ways to improve the club. Today we will explore signing Plaxico Burress.

Profile: Burress spent his first five seasons in Pittsburgh and his last four in New York with the Giants. The former first round pick is one of the most physically gifted receivers in football. He has four 1,000 yard seasons and caught at least 10 touchdowns in two of his four seasons with the Giants. His career average per catch is 15.5 yards. He was one of the heroes of New York's surprising championship run in 2007, posting an incredible 11 catch, 151 yard performance in the NFC Championship Game at Green Bay and catching the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the Super Bowl against the Patriots. The waters got choppy after that point. Plaxico made noise about wanting a new contract in the offseason. Then during a quiet regular season, he allegedly shot himself in the leg at a nightclub with an unregistered weapon, which led to criminal charges which are still pending, a suspension, and ultimately his release from the Giants.

Why It Makes Sense: Burress would provide the Jets with everything they lack at the receiver position. He is a legitimate number one pass-catcher. He is also a vertical threat and a big target near the goal line. The Jets will have a young starting quarterback in 2009. Burress played an instrumental role in the development of Eli Manning into a Super Bowl champion. He would draw the full attention of the defense, opening things up for Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, and Dustin Keller.

Odds of Happening: The Jets will probably not go in this direction because of Burress' baggage. I think they should explore it, though. He is a perfect fit, and a player like this will never come at a lower price. While what he allegedly did was idiotic, the only person he hurt was himself. This would be much different from taking on a player who intentionally did something immoral like Michael Vick.