After weeks of negotiation to reduce a huge cap number, the Patriots decided to release their starting All-Pro strong safety and team captain, Lawyer Milloy. Needing depth at the position, he could be a perfect fit for the Jets.
In news that has sent shock waves from Greenwich CT to Bangor ME, the Pats cut four-time Pro Bowl safety and team captain Lawyer Milloy five days before the start of the season, when they could not renegotiate his contract. With needed depth at the safety position, Milloy would be a perfect fit for the Jets.
The 29 year old Milloy, played seven seasons in New England and totaled 846 tackles, seven sacks, 19 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He led the team in tackles in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. He also was a huge part of two AFC Championship teams and one Super Bowl winner.
Milloy went to his first Pro Bowl in 1998 starting a string of four all-star appearances in five years including last season.
The Jets, with Sam Garnes as their starting SS and the erratic Tyrone Carter backing him up could definitely use depth at the position. With Jon McGraw starting at FS, the team only has one other safety on the roster, the extremely raw rookie, Derek Pagel.
It seems the team also has the cap room to offer him an attractive deal. Another positive factor is that with final rosters set and most teams at max with salary cap space, it seems that very few teams would have the ability to offer Milloy a rich deal. Toss in the revenge angle of playing his former team twice a year and it seems like a no brainer.
The Jets have been rumored to still be interested in Victor Green. However, Milloy in the prime of his career is a much better choice. Look for the Jets to make a run at the talented defensive back as soon as he clears waivers.
