Here's what the Jets should do now

With the crushing loss in the AFC Championship Game not even 24 hours old, Rex Ryan did his best to peer into the future and see nothing but good things ahead for his Jets team.

"We're the only team of the final four teams that went last year to make it back to the final four," Ryan said Monday as the Jets cleaned out their lockers the day after suffering a 24-19 loss to the Steelers at Heinz Field. "Now, we weren't good enough to get it done, but that doesn't mean we won't be good enough to get it done next year."

There's no guarantee the Jets will indeed break through next year and take that next step to the Super Bowl, but there's also no disputing Ryan's contention that the Jets are a worthy enough team to be in the Super Bowl mix not only next year but in the foreseeable future. With a young nucleus led by emerging quarterback Mark Sanchez, one of the best offensive lines in football and one of the league's top defenses, the Jets can be a playoff fixture for years to come.

Though there aren't many holes to plug for a team that was only a TD away from getting to the Super Bowl for the first time in 42 years, there's work to be done and decisions to be made. Here's the way we see things shaking out:

Re-sign Santonio Holmes, try to re-sign Braylon Edwards

The Jets' offense benefited greatly from the presence of Holmes, acquired in an offseason trade, and Edwards, who came here in an October 2009 deal. Best-case scenario: The Jets can re-sign both. Realistically, though, there will be enough money for only one. That one should be Holmes, who became an indispensable part of the passing game.

Re-sign Antonio Cromartie, but only if the price is right

Cromartie was solid opposite Darrelle Revis, and the Jets' secondary was much more trustworthy this season than it was in 2009, when the Lito Sheppard deal bombed. But Cromartie is looking for huge dollars, so there's no need to go nuts on a new deal, especially if Ryan thinks first-round cornerback Kyle Wilson can grow after a disappointing rookie season. And who knows? If Nnamdi Asomugha is available for a reasonable deal, he'd give the Jets the best set of starting corners in the league.

Keep Brian Schottenheimer

This may be one of the most unpopular things for any Jets fan to read, especially after seeing the Jets fail to get into the end zone on first-and-goal from the 2 in the fourth quarter Sunday night. There is no excusing Schottenheimer's play-calling there, especially the passes on second and third downs. But when you look at his body of work in his two years under Ryan, this offense has come a long way. Sanchez has quickly developed into a money quarterback and will only get better.

Say goodbye to Jason Taylor, and maybe to LaDainian Tomlinson

There's no way the Jets bring back Taylor on his current contract, which calls for him to make more than $10 million in 2011. You don't pay that kind of money for a 36-year-old player in decline. Taylor's tearful news conference after Sunday's game was an indication he knows his time is up. As for Tomlinson, who will be 32 next year, the Jets should keep him under contract but be open to seeking an upgrade if there's something better on the open market. Time for Shonn Greene to emerge as the every-down back.

Draft a pass-rusher

This is why the failed career of Vernon Gholston has been such a killer. At a time when they could have used the kind of edge rusher the Jets once thought Gholston would be, they really had no viable alternative. Taylor had only five sacks. Bryan Thomas, a serviceable pass-rusher, had six. And Calvin Pace, who too often disappears in big games, had 51/2. Time for Ryan to find his next Terrell Suggs in the draft.

Keep Shaun Ellis

With Trevor Pryce likely to retire and Kris Jenkins' comeback from a second knee surgery uncertain, the Jets need quality veteran presence on the defensive line, and Ellis is it. He is the longest-tenured Jet, and he's one of the team's most consistent performers. His monster game against the Patriots was a huge factor in getting the Jets to the conference championships. Time to reward him with a new deal.

Extend David Harris’ contract, try and keep Brad Smith

The Jets re-upped Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson last year, and wanted to do the same for Harris, but they would have had to guarantee way too much money for the inside linebacker. There’s no question they’ll do the deal this year. Harris isn’t going anywhere. As for Smith, the Jets should make every attempt to sign him, with one caveat: If there’s a team out there that is willing to pay Smith starter money, and if there’s a salary cap in place (which there most likely will be), then it’s going to be tough to meet that price. Smith was an indispensible part of the team with his return skills, and they’d love to have him back. But if they have to make tough financial choices, and Smith gets ridiculous money elsewhere, it’s going to be tough to match.