Reports: CB-Hungry Teams Target Jets' Milliner
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Welcome to an alternate reality.
Last season the Jets' secondary was so bad it directly played a role not only in the team's brutal 4-12 record, but also this offseason's reshaping of the entire front office and coaching staff.
But now, just a week into free agency, teams across the NFL actually covet one of last season's starting cornerbacks.
Or at least that's what multiple reports said on Wednesday.
It appears now that the Jets have signed shutdown corners Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, plus Buster Skrine for the slot, other teams are hoping former first round pick Dee Milliner is expendable.
The question now becomes: do the Jets?
Like his predecessor Rex Ryan, new head coach Todd Bowles is in love with his corners and seemingly can't get enough of them. The former defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals is known as a wizard of sorts when it comes to blitz packages and those schemes are predicated on having defensive backs that excel in press coverage.
Revis and Cromartie do, and Milliner is capable of also shining in one-on-one coverage as evidenced by brief stints of success during his injury-plagued career. But Milliner, who was drafted No. 9 overall in 2013 following a standout career at Alabama, could end up being just as valuable in the nickel or dime, the latter of which the Cardinals spent a ton of time in last season.
However, the Jets also have several other corners they are high on, including Marcus Williams, who was arguably their best during the second half of last season, former third round pick Dexter McDougle, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp, and veteran Darin Walls.
Milliner, who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in October, has played in just 16 games during his first two pro seasons due to four different injuries. This after having five surgeries while at Alabama.
For the time being, new general manager Mike Maccagnan has told inquiring teams that the Jets are not willing to just give Milliner away, the Daily News reported. However, it's possible they could look to deal him once he's healthy.
Milliner will make $585,000 in base salary and count $3.45 million against the salary cap this season.
