Could Jerricho Cotchery Be In Play For The Arizona Cardinals?

It is no secret that the Arizona Cardinals are in the market for a receiver that can play across from Larry Fitzgerald. It has been rumored that former Jets wide receiver, Braylon Edwards has been in discussions with Rod Graves and the Cardinals. While both sides are seemingly far apart on contract expectations (mainly the amount of years), the Cardinals have not placed all of their eggs in the Edwards basket. 

Reports have come out that Derrick Mason has signed with the Jets and with Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes already in the fold, Jerricho Cotchery could be on his way out. 

The Jets apparently do not want to pay Cotchery's $1.8 million salary in 2011 and have been calling around the league to gauge people's interest. Cotchery would count about $4 million against the cap due to his incentives and bonuses this season. New York has been very aggressive during free agency this year and getting rid of Cotchery would free up even more cap space for GM Mike Tannenbaum to work with. 

It should be noted that Cotchery is currently on the PUP list due to an off-season surgery on his back. He could be back and ready to play in a couple of weeks, but injuries like this always come with the risk of lingering pain. In other words, it could take some time before he is fully healthy and used to the speed of the game once again.

Here is the Scouts, Inc. profile for Jerricho Cotchery:

Cotchery was banged up some in 2009 but still had solid season for the Jets. He has some size and strength. He is a competitive playmaker. He is a good route runner with deceptive quickness that allows him to get separation. Cotchery can track deep throws over the shoulder. He has good hands, balance and body control. The seven-year veteran has good run instincts after the catch. He's capable of breaking tackles in open space. Cotchery's not real physical as a run-blocker but has improved in this area.    

Cotchery could potentially be an excellent fit next to Larry Fitzgerald for the Arizona Cardinals. With Braylon Edwards now visiting other teams and getting into bar fights, his services may no longer be solicited by Arizona. Cotchery is only 29 and would likely come at a much cheaper price than Edwards. His current contract runs through 2012 and he would become a free agent in 2013 at the age of 31. 

Many rumors already show that potential suitors for Cotchery may include Arizona, so now I ask you Cardinals fans: Would you like to see Jerricho Cotchery in Cardinal red? 

UPDATE:

Jerricho Cotchery appears to have been released by the Jets. The Cardinals, if they choose, could go after him through via free agency. He will likely be looking for a one-year deal with whatever team he signs with. This could be a perfect fit for both the Cardinals and Cotchery. 

UPDATE #2:

Braylon Edwards has reportedly signed with the San Francisco 49ers. This leaves the door wide open for receivers such as Cotchery, Malcolm Floyd or former New York Giant, Steve Smith to be signed by Arizona.