The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... Cotchery said Thursday he was informed by the team that he will be released if free-agent receiver Derrick Mason passes his physical. Mason, released last week by the Baltimore Ravens, is scheduled to meet Thursday with Jets officials at team headquarters. Barring an unexpected snag, Mason will sign with the Jets to become their No. 3 wideout. "Everyone wants that dream scenario, where you can play on one team your whole career, but it doesn't happen too often," a downcast Cotchery told reporters, resigned to his fate.

Diehards Line:Cotchery figured to be the No. 3 receiver, his role last season, joining Santonio Holmes and recently signed Plaxico Burress. But a few days ago, the Jets started shopping Cotchery in trade talks. In fact, they gave his agent permission to seek a trade. A trade will be difficult because Cotchery still hasn't been cleared to practice. He underwent back surgery in February to repair a herniated disk and, although he was encouraged by his rehab, he began training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list. ... For five seasons, Cotchery was the Jets' most dependable receiver, but his play slipped last season; he committed a team-high nine drops. He finished with 41 catches, 433 yards and two touchdowns, his worst numbers since becoming a full-time player in 2006. He missed two games because of a torn groin.