Dee Milliner: 3 potential landing spots
By Matt Kerns
The New York Jets placed former ninth overall pick, Dee Milliner on the waived/injured list. Milliner cleared waivers and is now on the Jets Injured Reserve List.
What does this all mean? Well, because Milliner was placed on IR before 4 p.m. Sunday, he is not eligible to return to the field with the Jets, per NJ.com. However, if he and the Jets reach an injury settlement, he would be granted release and would become a free agent. Assuming this does happen, let’s take a look at possible hot spots for Milliner to revitalize his career.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are an intriguing spot for Milliner based on how poor their secondary was a year ago. Oakland underwent a renovation at the position, finding a gem in David Amerson who was claimed off of waivers a year ago, and signing former Kansas City Chiefs corner Sean Smith. These acquisitions shored up the starting unit, but questions remain about their depth.
D.J. Hayden hasn’t quite yet played his way out of Oakland just yet and is listed as the third corner on the depth chart via 247 Sports. Hayden was selected just three spots behind Milliner in the same draft.
Both corners have been plagued by injuries and poor play, but perhaps both players could use a change in scenery. T.J. Carrie played a variety of roles for the Raiders last season due to injuries in the secondary. He saw time at both safety positions and inside and outside as well at corner. He played well and is a valuable chip for Oakland, but Hayden had more reps with the starting unit in preseason.
At 6-foot-0, Milliner isn’t nearly as tall and lanky as Smith and Amerson (both 6-foot-3) but he would fit in nicely with a defense that will play more man to man coverage. If Milliner could regain his 2013 form, Oakland would benefit from his physical play.
Next: Cleveland Browns