Head Scratcher: Jets Release Rookie Wide Receiver Jalen Saunders
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Jets released rookie wide receiver Jalen Saunders, the team's fourth-round draft pick in May, and signed free agent wide receivers T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu on Monday.
Cornerback LeQuan Lewis, signed to the active roster from the practice squad last Wednesday, was also released to make room on the 53-man roster.
The moves came a day after Saunders was inactive for the Jets' 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions and replaced by Walter Powell. Saunders had served as New York's primary punt returner in the team's first three games, but was benched after a costly fumble last Monday night against the Bears.
The speedy Saunders, out of the University of Oklahoma, missed some time last month after suffering a seizure that hospitalized him for two days following a single-car accident.
"We signed Graham because we like the speed that he has," coach Rex Ryan said. "And after the game, we felt pretty good about how Walter Powell returned punts, so we decided to make that move."
Graham was a third-round pick of Buffalo in 2012 out of North Carolina State. He was claimed off waivers by Tennessee in August, and cut last week.
Graham has 54 career receptions, all with the Bills, for 683 yards and three touchdowns — including one last season against the Jets.
Owusu has caught 16 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown in two-plus seasons with Tampa Bay. He was signed by San Francisco as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford in 2012 and also spent time with San Diego.
Lewis played against the Lions and was called for two penalties in the game, including a false start on a punt.
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