Whither Cousin Carl?

Carl Edwards, if he hasn't already, will have to choose between a new start and the place he's been his whole career.

Either way, he'll be doing it with a much bigger bank account.

According to reports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Home Depot have offered Edwards a contract worth $18 million--including a $10 million signing bonus--to drive the No. 20 Toyota in 2012 and beyond.

Ford Motor Company, wary of losing the face of Ford's NASCAR program, has stepped up to counter. No word on what was offered, but it would have to be pretty big to top the JGR offer.

Edwards insists he hasn't chosen, but he's going to have to pretty soon because these things just don't happen on Nov. 21 any more. Time is needed to prepare, marketing objectives and printed materials and whatnot.

Besides, when you're the point leader and you're getting ready for the Chase, you really don't want to have this hanging over your head, do you?

He'll have to decide before the Chase starts, whether that means the teams will announce it immediately or not. Logano likely isn't making the Chase again this year, but Edwards has to be considered the favorite.

More on this as it unfolds, but as an aside, I'd love to have that choice. For me, it would be a can't lose deal!