It is not clear whether CBA negotiations will result in Santonio Holmes' free agency being restricted or unrestricted. He wants to make it clear, though, that he has no interest in signing a one year tender if he is restricted.
"I want a contract, flat out," Holmes told two reporters at a sports memorabilia show in Somerset, N.J., where he appeared with teammates LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie. "If I sign a contract, it will be for multiple years. It won't be for one year."
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Interestingly, Holmes didn't state that his goal is to re-sign with the Jets. He said he will take a wait-and-see approach, saying, "Whatever my agent brings to the table, the best deal for me, I'm pretty sure that's where I'll end up."
While these comments will generate discussion, Holmes was simply explaining the rationale 95% of players base their decisions upon. It is almost always about money. Some guys might try and score PR points by claiming they want to stay with their team. If a better deal comes along, though, most of them take it. The Jets are going to have to step up to the plate to keep Holmes.
Still root for Holmes to remain a restricted free agent, though. It will make the odds of the Jets being the team to give him that extension higher. If he is a restricted free agent, a lot of teams would probably be scared off by the first and third round picks they would have to give the Jets to land Santonio. Even if the Jets did not resign him, those picks would at least provide a measure of consolation.