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The Tennessee Titans traded wide receiver Justin McCareins to the New York Jets on Friday for a second-round draft pick -- pending McCareins passing his Jets physical. The announcement was made by Jets general manager Terry Bradway.

McCareins was the Titans' second-leading receiver last season, finishing with 47 catches for 813 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 49-yard scoring reception against New York in December.

In exchange for McCareins, the Titans received the 42nd pick in next month's draft.

"This is a move that is a win-win for all parties," said Titans general manager Floyd Reese. "Wide receiver is one of our deepest positions and when we were unable to reach a long term deal with Justin, we thought moving him would help everyone.

"It helps us define everyones role in the receiving corps, provides another high draft choice and frees up money for free agency. Now Justin can pursue a long term deal with the Jets and be featured in their offense."

McCareins became expendable when the Titans reached a three-year deal with receiver Drew Bennett last week, keeping him from becoming a restricted free agent. Tennessee also has Pro Bowler Derrick Mason and 6-foot-4 Tyrone Calico.

With Curtis Conway expected to be a cap casualty and Wayne Chrebet possibly retiring after suffering post-concussion syndrome, the Jets needed a threat to play opposite Santana Moss.

Since Moss is so good at getting open inside, the Jets needed a big receiver they can target in the red zone as well as hit for the big play and McCareins certainly fits the bill.

The 6-2, 215-pounder has played his entire three-year career with the Titans since being drafted in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2001 Draft and has registered 69 receptions for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns in 36 regular season games played, starting 12 of them.

He established career-highs in 2003 with 47 catches, good for 813 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 59-yard scoring grab on Monday Night Football against the Jets at The Meadowlands.

The versatile McCareins has also been featured on special teams, returning 30 kickoffs for a 20.9-yard average, 37 punts for an average of 10.9 yards and a touchdown, and has made 19 special teams tackles. ...

In a semi-related note. ...

According to the Sports XChange, Bradway's thrusting of the Jets into the headlines with trade talks isn't just because the roster needs a major makeover.

After head coach Herman Edwards got a two-year extension through 2007, Bradway was left hanging with just two years left on his deal. Many in the NFL think Edwards now ranks above Bradway in personnel decisions, a change made after Bradway had a poor offseason last year when the Jets lost four players to the Redskins.

While a flurry of aggressive moves by Bradway would definitely help the Jets, it could also convince owner Woody Johnson to give him an extension if the Jets improve in 2004.