The Jets picked up Sheldon Richardson’s fifth-year option, but they chose not to do the same for his 2013 draft-mate Dee Milliner.
Exercising Richardson’s option (roughly around $8 million) ahead of Monday’s deadline was an obvious move considering his talent level and versatility. Since being selected 13th overall three years ago, the defensive tackle has tallied 16.5 sacks and 180 tackles. The Jets also took advantage of his skill set last season by lining up Richardson as an outside linebacker.
But Richardson’s NFL career hasn’t been entirely spotless.
He served a four-game suspension last year for violating the league’s substance abuse program. He also was arrested last summer following a high-speed chase in his home state of Missouri. Richardson, who avoided jail time after entering a guilty plea to reduced charges stemming from that July 2015 arrest, was sentenced to two years of bench probation.
But there’s a chance Richardson could still face a second suspension from the NFL for violating their personal conduct policy.
Milliner, on the other hand, has been a disappointment so far because of injuries. Taken ninth overall after the Jets traded away Darrelle Revis in 2013, the former Alabama cornerback has played in 21 games, including five as a rookie and only three in 2014. He has three interceptions and 19 passes defensed.
Milliner was placed on short-term injured reserve after undergoing wrist surgery in training camp and was activated on Nov. 11.
..... - Newsday