The NFL hit the the talented, but troubled former Steeler Monday with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Holmes will be able to attend off-season workouts and preseason practices and games under the suspension. But it still begs the question: Did the Jets know about it before pulling the trigger on the trade?

The answer is yes, sources told the Daily News. Coach Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum spoke to Holmes and his representation by phone before the deal went down late last night. Sources said Holmes is on his way to Florham Park and will meet today with the Jets’ brass.

The team has yet to formally announce the trade, but once Holmes meets with the team and passes a physical, it will become official.

The Jets traded a fifth-round pick for Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP and first-round pick. No one questions his talent, but he’s had a string of off-the-field issues. In 2008, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and was suspended a game by the Steelers. Just recently, he was involved in an Orlando nightclub incident.

With Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards, the Jets have a talented receiving trio for quarterback Mark Sanchez. But Edwards, too, could be suspended.

Before being traded to the Jets last October, he was accused of assaulting a Lebron James acquaintance at a Cleveland nightclub. Edwards eventually pleaded “no contest” and he faces a league suspension, although it probably would be only one game.

The Jets were willing to take a chance on Holmes because he’s entering the final year of his contract and they figure that will motivate him to be on his best behavior. It was the same situation with Edwards, who, from all indications, behaved himself last season.

Troubled cornerback Antonio Cromartie, acquired recently in a trade with the Chargers, also is entering the final year of his deal.