Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Even though he has a lot riding on the outcome of the NFL’s labor dispute,New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes said Saturday his pending free-agent status is “one of my least favorite concerns.” But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t formed strong opinions.

Holmes, in his first interview since the end of the season, said he won’t sign his one-year tender if he’s deemed a restricted free agent — which would be his status if the 2010 work rules are used for the 2011 free agency period.

“I want a contract, flat out,” Holmes told two reporters at a sports memorabilia show in Somerset, N.J., where he appeared with teammates LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie. “If I sign a contract, it will be for multiple years. It won’t be for one year.”

As a player with five years’ experience, Holmes would be one year shy of unrestricted free agency under the 2010 rules. Previously, all it took was four credited seasons to hit the open market. For Holmes, who would be one of the most coveted free agents, the potential difference between unrestricted and restricted is huge.

The Jets protected themselves in the event the 2010 rules remain by placing the highest restricted tender on Holmes, first- and third-round picks — their compensation if they were to lose him. The one-year salary for that tender is $3.5 million, nearly six times what he made last season. Nevertheless, Holmes, 27, feels he has earned a long-term deal.

“I played five years to wait for my sixth year to come up,” said Holmes, who was traded by thePittsburgh Steelers last offseason because of off-the-field issues. “I don’t want to play for a one-year deal. I wouldn’t do it.”

Holmes is one of several key unsigned players on the Jets. The group includes wide receiverBraylon Edwards, multipurpose weapon Brad Smith and Cromartie, who declined an interview request.

WRITTEN BY Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com. Follow him on Twitter & FULL STORY HERE