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Why Dee Milliner Is Done With New York Jets

By Erik Lambert

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Sep 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) catches a touchdown pass in front of New York Jets corner back Dee Milliner (27) during the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It truly is ironic for Dee Milliner.  The former Alabama standout was drafted by the New York Jets two years ago to replace Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis, who had left for Tampa Bay.  Now Revis is back in green and white and Milliner has gone from 1st round pick to injury-plagued bust.

This setback is only the latest in a long line the 23-year old has suffered through since his rookie season.  He missed the scouting combine with a torn labrum, was benched three different times later that year and followed it up in 2014 with a bad ankle sprain and then a torn Achilles.  All told, he has missed a full season worth of games.

The question isn’t about whether he can play.  He showed he could towards the end of 2013.  His problem remains the great equalizer:  health.  The Jets have been patient, but every team has their breaking point.  With Revis and Antonio Cromartie back, along with the signing of Buster Skrine they no longer need Milliner to be the guy.

That makes him expendable.

Word came out earlier in the off-season that he was in danger of losing his roster spot if he didn’t show up in training camp or the preseason.  Now that he is out 6-8 weeks with another tendon issue, it should make the decision an unfortunate but easy one.

Milliner is not far off from being cut.  The only thing holding it back at this moment is the Jets coaches and brass taking their time to make sure they’re comfortable with the depth behind Revis and Cromartie.  Expect this to happen soon barring an injury to another corner in the near future.

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