Michael Crabtree says he’s ready after signing with 49ers

Michael Crabtree is confident he can play a big role for the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie even though he’s months behind.

He will get his chances in an offense that could really use him.

Crabtree signed a six-year contract early Wednesday after a drawn-out negotiation process that had some wondering whether the star wide receiver would ever show up this season.

“It’s a lot of relief off my shoulders,” Crabtree said when formally introduced at team headquarters.

Although specific terms of the deal, which was completed about 2 a.m. Wednesday, were not disclosed, Crabtree will receive nearly $17 million in guaranteed money, according to a person familiar with the contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details weren’t made public.

Edwards traded

Cleveland Browns Coach Eric Mangini dumped Braylon Edwards off on his former team, trading to the New York Jets a wide receiver whose off-field troubles have matched his immense talent.

“It’s the right thing for us and for Braylon,” Mangini said.

The Browns got wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two undisclosed draft choices in return for Edwards, who has 10 receptions for 139 yards but was shut out for the first time in his career in the winless Browns’ 23-20 overtime loss to Cincinnati on Sunday.

The former Michigan star and Pro Bowl selection, who is in his fifth season, comes to the Jets with his share of off-field issues. The NFL is investigating whether Edwards violated the league’s conduct policy following accusations he assaulted a man outside a Cleveland nightclub early Monday.

Manning sits out

Although his painful heel injury is improving, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is not guaranteeing he will play this weekend against the Oakland Raiders.

Manning, who has started the last 82 games, was held out of practice Wednesday so he could get treatment on his plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and inserts into the heel.

Sanchez is fined

Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez said he was fined $5,000 by the NFL for his low block on New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma last weekend.

During Darren Sharper’s 99-yard interception return for a touchdown, Sanchez dived at the legs of Vilma, who was blocking on the play. Sanchez was assessed a 15-yard personal foul penalty for the hit.

Merriman unhappy

San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman isn’t happy about a comment from General Manager A.J. Smith that the team’s play at times this season has been “soft and bewildered.”

Merriman at first declined to comment after practice, but then said: “That’s an opinion of a person, and it’s not needed. We know that we have to play better.”

Cushing out sick

Houston Texans rookie linebacker Brian Cushing stayed home from practice because of flu symptoms. The team has been hit hard by flu in the last week, with tight end Anthony Hill being the NFL’s first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus. Hill has recovered and returned to practice Wednesday.