A league source told Metro New York yesterday morning that the Jets have signed free agent wide receiver Santonio Holmes to a multi-year deal.
Official details of the contract will not be announced until July 29 per the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement. However, multiple reports have placed the deal at five years and $50 million, with $24 million guaranteed.
Holmes was one of the most coveted free agents on the market and the top priority for the Jets this offseason. The speedy signing of the star wideout lets the Jets focus on their bevy of other free agents, such as Antonio Cromartie and Braylon Edwards.
Holmes sat out the first four games of the 2010 NFL season due to violations of the league’s substance abuse policy after coming in a trade from the Steelers.
Holmes still had 52 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns, but his ability to make game-changing plays earned him the nickname “Tone Time.”
Rumored to be a top target of many teams, including being coveted by potential suitors such as the Washington Redskins, Holmes has not yet confirmed the deal through his agent but did post a photo on his Twitter account after he downed what appears to be a celebratory bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal.
