It certainly wasn't the payday Braylon Edwards was seeking, but the inconsistent and troubled receiver finally landed a deal Thursday.

The San Francisco 49ers signed the former New York Jets receiver to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Some would say that's a pretty good move for the 49ers to grab a veteran wideout who is capable of making big plays.

"It's official," Edwards said to the Bay Area media. "We have moved to the Bay. I'm a proud member of the San Francisco 49ers."

For more than a week since the Jets made it obvious they weren't interested in Edwards returning, he had been left out there dangling with few teams in serious pursuit. The cold shoulder he received was somewhat surprising because Edwards was fairly productive in his second season with the Jets, catching 53 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns opposite Santonio Holmes.

Some of the problem may have been that while Edwards certainly makes game-breaking plays, his penchant for dropping routine passes in the clutch still remains after several years with the Cleveland Browns and Jets.

But Edwards' biggest problem may be his inability to return out of trouble off the field. He recently had his probation extended in Ohio for one year after he was caught driving under the influence in New York last September.

So it likely took another Michigan man—49ers coach Jim Harbaugh—to be willing to take a chance on the troubled ex-Wolverine great.

"He's hit some potholes," Harbaugh said. "You don't want that to spiral any further down. It's kind of time to start doing all the little things right, that he knows of and he's capable of. He's a good guy."

This report contains information gathered from the Associated Press.

Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris

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