Rex Ryan declines to discuss safety Kerry Rhodes’ future with Jets

Rex Ryan mum on Kerry Rhodes’ future with Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Kerry Rhodes might have played his last game with the New York Jets.

The veteran safety, who was demoted earlier this season, had a solid postseason but declined to say Monday whether he’ll be back with the team next season. Coach Rex Ryan said he and Rhodes have had private conversations, but declined to go into detail about what was discussed.

“I’m just going to keep it between us,” Ryan said. “I’d rather not make a comment on it”

Rhodes, once considered one of the cornerstones of the franchise, is due a $2 million roster bonus in March. The Jets could decide not to pay Rhodes, who had issues with Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

Ryan, who said he spoke to Rhodes on Monday and “eight weeks ago,” wouldn’t clarify things when told his comments sounded ominous.

“No, I think it’s just between Kerry and I,” he said. “It’s a private conversation that we’ve had, that we are the only ones that know what was said in there. Trust me, it’s not a bad thing. It’s just a thing that I’ll honor my conversation to Kerry.”

Rhodes touched on the issue on his Twitter page: “To everybody asking about whether im gonna stay here or not its not the time to discuss right now. i just wanna relax for a lil bit. Thx.”

Making the situation even more curious was the fact that Ryan was very open about the Jets wanting wide receiver Braylon Edwards, a free agent, to return next season.

“I definitely expect Braylon back,” Ryan said. “I see us tendering him a first- and third-round pick, as high as we can go with him. I definitely see us doing that.”

Other players the Jets will have to make decisions on in the offseason include running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, fullback Tony Richardson, kicker Jay Feely, cornerback Lito Sheppard, quarterback Kellen Clemens and wide receiver Brad Smith.