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NY Jets safety Kerry Rhodes says he wants to be a Jet

By Dave Hutchinson/The Star Ledger

January 27, 2010, 5:33PM

Kerry Rhodes smiling Jets fileWilliam Perlman/The Star-LedgerThere is concern that Kerry Rhodes, who likes to bring attention to himself and is called "Hollywood,'' may not fit in with the Jets.

Jets safety Kerry Rhodes said Wednesday that he wants to be a Jet and he and coach Rex Ryan will talk once again in the coming weeks about his future. It was the first time since his benching in Week 12 that Rhodes said he wanted to return next season.

But Rhodes also left open the exit door, saying "circumstances happen."

Rhodes, who is due a $2 million roster bonus in March and a $2.7 million base salary, said the club has given him the option of staying or requesting a trade, which is strange given he's under contract.

But there is concern that Rhodes, who has the nickname "Hollywood," may not fit into a tight-knit locker room. Several players told The Star-Ledger in November that Rhodes wasn't exactly a popular figure among his teammates. He didn't see ``eye to eye'' with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, either.

"I have to re-evaluate myself and see if I fit in here," he said on SNY's "Wheelhouse."

Also, the club may want Rhodes, who earned more than $10 million last season, to take a pay cut. He signed a five-year, $33.5 million contract extension in 2008.

Even if Rhodes doesn't demand a trade, the Jets will likely listen to any offers, keeping their options open as well. But with the team planning to release cornerback Lito Sheppard and perhaps injury-prone nickel back Donald Strickland, it may prefer to keep Rhodes rather than totally revamp the secondary.

An upgrade to the unit seems to be on the horizon as early word is the Jets are eyeing a cornerback with their first-round pick, perhaps Boise State's Kyle Wilson."