49ers Release Braylon Edwards

Added on Dec 27, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The San Francisco 49ers are trimming the fat in preparation for a playoff run. Today they released free agent bust Braylon Edwards, whom the team signed to a one-year deal in August. The long, lean wide receiver was supposed to provide the Niners offense a much-needed deep play threat for quarterback Alex Smith. Unfortunately, a knee injury in Week 2 derailed those plans and Edwards became a non-factor the entire season.

Edwards, i.e. a PR flunky, issued the following statement this morning via his website.

“I was released today by the 49ers due to my injury that required more time to rehab and hasn’t allowed me to re-sync with the offense,” Edwards said. “I wish the 49ers organization the best of luck during the playoffs. I will be working hard this offseason to strengthen my knee and prepare for the 2012 season. Thanks for your continued support and for being such loyal fans.”

The 28-year-old Michigan alum has been a disappointment for most of his career after being selected third overall by Cleveland in the 2005 draft. He struggled his first two seasons, scoring only nine touchdowns before breaking out in hist third year catching a career best 80 balls for 1289 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Since 2008, Edwards has scored a total of 14 touchdowns and not caught more than 55 passes in a season. Inconsistency and drops, not injuries, have been his biggest problem. Prior to 2011, the last time he missed multiple games due to physical reasons was his rookie year.

This season he mustered only 15 receptions for 181 yards and zero scores. In addition, he sat out six games with the knee ailment. His release leaves an already thin receiving corps even thinner. Michael Crabtree is the only wideout with 60-plus catches and none of them have more than three touchdowns. Also, backup tight end Delani Walker could miss the playoffs with a jaw injury.

Of course, with Edwards’ release comes increased speculation the Niners could reach out to an old friend for help. That’s right, Mr. Me himself, Terrell Owens, who has been patiently waiting for some dumb team to roll the dice on his risky attitude and balky knee. It makes for fun chatter, but signing Owens is highly unlikely considering he hasn’t set foot on a practice field in a year.

Source: NFL.com