While the NY Jets still have the best cornerback trio in the AFC in Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, and Michael Carter II, more depth in this area is never a bad thing. With unproven youngsters like Qwan'tez Stiggers and the inconsistent Brandin Echols in line for more playing time if someone misses a game, depth could be crucial.
The Jets were close to making a worthwhile backup signing when former Vikings first-round pick Lewis Cine was reportedly signed, but the Bills swiped in at the last minute. The Jets have since turned their eyes to a former Patriots player in veteran Jalen Mills.
Mills, who has become known as the "Green Goblin" after his green hair and mimicking the Spider-Man arch nemesis' chaotic style, was released by the crosstown rival Giants after an injury. Now fully healed, the Jets are rolling the dice on a possible resurgence.
Mills, who spent the last few years with the rival New England Patriots, was signed to New York's practice squad. While it remains unlikely that Mills is going to play a major role in the team's secondary, Robert Saleh now has a veteran to lean on who has more experience than Stiggers or Jarrick Bernard-Converse.
Jets sign former Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills to practice squad
Mills, who has completed a tour of all the NFL's northeast teams, started his career as a safety/cornerback hybrid with the Philadelphia Eagles. While he's make some big plays, Mills was a roller-coaster who could occasionally be prone to getting toasted by elite receivers.
Mills signed a four-year deal with the Patriots in 2021. New England brought more of the same. After some very encouraging initial highs, Mills would lose his starting spot by the end of the deal. The Giants weren't interested in him after his injury and cut bait.
The former LSU star is very much a gamble and an attempt by Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich to see if a scheme that doesn't require him to play as much man coverage will be what gets him back on the right track. While unlikely, don't rule out a Mills cameo here and there as the season drags on.
