"Kerry Rhodes clarified two issues Wednesday: He wants to remain with the Jets, and he said the Jets want him back. But he stopped short of saying it will happen, fueling speculation they are haggling over a proposed pay cut.

The veteran safety, still chafed by his temporary demotion in November, said he expects to speak with Rex Ryan over the next two weeks to finalize his status. Rhodes said they gave him the option of requesting a trade.

"The organization wants me to be here, so it's a little bit of me, humbling myself and talking to Rex a little bit more and seeing what happens from there," Rhodes said on his weekly spot on SNY's "Wheelhouse" show. Rhodes wants to see "how much they care about me here."

Rhodes has four years remaining on his contract, and is due to make $4.8 million next season (including a $2 million roster bonus payable in March). Even though 2010 looms as an uncapped year, the Jets could be trying to pressure him into a restructured contract. In the same vein, it's possible they told him he will have to compete for his starting job."