"They tried to trade for Chad Ochocino.

They attempted to sign Plaxico Burress.

On Thursday, the third time was the charm for the 49ers, who finally secured the top-end wide receiver they coveted by signing free-agent Braylon Edwards to a one-year contract worth a reported $3.5 million.

In the short term, Edwards, 28, will fill the hole left by the absence of Michael Crabtree, who is expected to miss training camp with a foot injury. Edwards eventually figures to start alongside Crabtree, giving San Francisco a pair of wideouts who are former top-10 draft picks. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Edwards (6-foot-3, 214 pounds) gives the Niners a big-bodied receiver they were seeking.

"Make no bones about it," Edwards said, "I'm here to be the guy. I'm here to make plays. I'm here to complement whoever's on the other side. I didn't come to accept a quiet role. I'm here to make some noise."

Edwards, who stepped on the practice field Thursday about 30 minutes after the Niners officially announced his signing, had 53 catches for 904 yards and seven touchdowns last year for the Jets, marking his best statistical season in three years. In 2007, he earned his lone Pro Bowl berth when he set Browns franchise records for receiving yards (1,289) and touchdowns (16)."