There is a theory that every situation plays out in parallel universes.  Maybe you did ask the homecoming queen to prom and maybe she did say yes.  At the very least, if she said no you to, then a parallel version of you got to take off her dress at the end of the night. Lucky sumbitch.

Focusing on this universe, the Jets played footsy with Miles Austin during the 2009 offseason.  The Dallas Cowboys had tendered him with the highest possible salary offering which means that if the Jets had signed him, they would have had to give the Cowboys their 2nd round draft pick in return. 

Presumably, the Jets would not have then traded a 2010 3rd rounder (and 2 other players), which could become a 2nd rounder based on performance, for Braylon Edwards. 

And therein lies your divergent history.  If the Jets signed Austin, the Cowboys get a second 2nd round pick and probably try to trade up into the first round to get Maclin, the Jets either don't trade for Sanchez (as they did not have a 2nd rounder), or they find another way to package a deal to climb up the draft board. 

On paper, I think having Sanchez and Edwards on the same team is better than having Austin and then trying to cajole Favre to return for one more year. 

Sure the what if game is fun to play, but I'm sure in some parallel universe you are looking at your overly hot wife and thinking how the Cowboys got ripped off.