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Report: Jets Set To Cut Ties With Holmes

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The end of the Santonio Holmes era with the Jets is about to happen.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, the volatile wide receiver could be cut over the next few days, freeing the Jets from their $8.25 million commitment to him in 2014.

Holmes, who was a non-factor last season after missing significant time in each of the previous two seasons due to injuries, told reporters back in December he really wants to play for Rex Ryan next season.

"I'd love to play for him the next couple of years, and even retire here, he and I both," Holmes said.

Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed a five-year, $40 million contract in 2011 after playing a huge role in the Jets' run to a second straight AFC championship game the previous season, but appeared in just 31 of the next 48 games, registering just 94 catches and 1,382 yards.

He  even told reporters he'd take a pay cut, perhaps even a significant pay cut, to return to the Jets.

"Anything for the team," Holmes said at the time.

The Jets reworked Holmes' deal prior to the 2013 season, lowering his cap hit to $7.5 million, but he did basically nothing in what was a surprising 8-8 season for Jets, but their third straight season of no playoffs. Holmes, who will turn 30 in March, finished with 23 catches for 456 yards and a touchdown.

Speculation has Holmes possibly signing with Arizona or returning to Pittsburgh, ProFootballTalk.com reported.

As for the Jets, wide receiver remains a giant need. They have reportedly expressed interest in free agents Jeremy Maclin and Emmanuel Sanders. Other potential options include Eric Decker and Golden Tate, though both figure to command top dollars and general manager John Idzik may choose instead to go after a cost-effective veteran and target the position hard in the draft.

The Jets have the 18th overall selection and reportedly have interest in Marqise Lee of Southern California, among others.

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