Jets Pick Up Richardson's Option, But Not Milliner's
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The Jets exercised one fifth-year option Monday, but declined to pick up another, according to reports.
According to multiple reports, the Jets declined the $11.9 million option for cornerback Dee Milliner, the ninth overall selection in the 2013 draft, making him a free agent after this season unless a new contract is worked out. Milliner has struggled both on the field and with injuries during his first three seasons. He started 12 games and had three interceptions as a rookie, but has started just two games and has no interceptions since.
Milliner suffered a torn Achilles tendon that cut his 2014 season short. He underwent wrist surgery during training camp in 2015 and wasn't activated until the 11th game.
Meanwhile in a widely expected move, the Jets have exercised the option for defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson. He will be paid $8.069 million in 2017 -- a raise of nearly $6.3 million from his 2016 base salary.
The 13th overall pick in 2013, Richardson has played in 43 games, starting 41, over the past three seasons. He has recorded 16.5 sacks and 104 tackles.
Richardson served a four-game suspension last season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He could face further discipline after he pleaded guilty to resisting arrest in Missouri in January. Police said Richardson's 2014 Bentley reached speeds up to 143 mph last July with a 12-year-old relative in the car and a loaded handgun under a floor mat.
Richardson received two years' probation and 100 hours of community service and was fined more than $1,000 for traffic violations.
The deadline for exercising the team options was Monday. The players' salaries won't be fully guaranteed until March.
