Back in 2013, one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL was Dee Milliner of the New York Jets.
The Jets had just selected Milliner with the ninth pick in the draft out of the University of Alabama and it looked like a slam-dunk selection. He finished his rookie season with three interceptions and was the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week in Week 17. It seemed like the sky was the limit for this young player and the Jets would have themselves a shut down cornerback for years to come.
Unfortunately two lackluster seasons later, and Milliner is now searching for a new home. One Wednesday, the Jets released the cornerback from the injured reserve list to officially make him a free agent.
The news officially ends Milliner’s tumultuous time with the Jets.
After his impressive rookie season, injuries began to plague the young cornerback. In 2014 an ankle injury kept him out for the beginning of the season and when he finally did return, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, he played in just three games and recorded six tackles.
In 2015, it was much of the same. A wrist injury kept him out for most of the season and he didn’t return to the team until late in the year. When he finally did return, he played sparingly and was clearly on the outside of New York’s plans.
So when Milliner found himself battling injuries this preseason, it was only a matter of time before the Jets cut their losses. They initially waived him with the injury designation during final roster cuts, but the injury kept him from being completely released.
