The New York Jets continued to play musical chairs at cornerback late Monday, releasing longtime backup and core special teams player Ellis Lankster. It was the latest in a series of moves at the depleted cornerback position.
This came as a surprise because of Lankster's special teams value; he was the Jets' second-leading tackler last season. Due to injuries, he actually started the second preseason game at cornerback. He did a decent job, although he never was viewed as a solution at corner. Obviously, the front office deemed him expendable with the additions of Phillip Adams and Leon McFadden.
They cut Lankster to re-sign linebacker A.J. Edds, whom the released Saturday. After waiving rookie Jeremiah George earlier in the day, the Jets were left with only one backup at inside linebacker, Nick Bellore, who is nursing a calf injury. Edds played a lot on special teams in the preseason.
If you're trying to keep track at home, here's the current crop of corners:
Dee Milliner (injured)
Antonio Allen (injured)
Leon McFadden
Phillip Adams