Jets acquire WR Thomas
Patriots trade veteran wideout for 6th-round selection in 2021 draft
The New York Jets are getting some roster help from the most unlikely of sources: Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
Adam Gase’s squad acquired wide receiver Demaryius Thomas from the Patriots for a 2021 sixthround draft pick on Tuesday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams had not yet announced the trade.
ESPN first reported the deal — the first trade between the AFC East rivals since Bill Belichick took over as the Patriots’ coach in 2000.
The last trade between the teams was actually when Belichick left the Jets for the Patriots, and New York got a first-round pick.
Thomas became expendable for the Patriots when they signed Antonio Brown over the weekend.
The 31-year-old Thomas gives the Jets’ receiving group an immediate boost, joining Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Jamison Crowder.
The move also comes a day after Gase made it clear he wasn’t pleased with the receivers’ overall performance in a 17-16 season-opening loss to Buffalo.
Crowder had 14 catches for 99 yards as Sam Darnold used him often for short-yardage plays, but Anderson (three catches for 23 yards) and Enunwa (one for minus-4) combined for just four receptions.
More Jets: Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd was suspended six games Tuesday by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performanceenhancers. Shepherd will be eligible to return to the Jets’ active roster on Oct. 28, following New York’s game at Jacksonville . ... Signed kicker Sam Ficken and waived Kaare Vedvik. Browns: Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. plans to keep wearing a lavish watch in games. Beckham said Tuesday that his jewelry “shouldn’t be an issue” and the NFL is only making it one because he’s the one involved. The league
spoke to the Browns on Monday about Beckham’s decision to wear the Richard Mille watch, which retails for more than $200,000. Beckham said he has not been directly contacted by anyone from the league.
Cardinals: Placed right tackle Marcus Gilbert on injured reserve with a knee injury and signed veteran tackle Jordan Mills.
Chiefs: Returned De’anthony Thomas to the active roster and waived fellow wide receiver Byron Pringle with the hope that they can sign him to the practice squad should he clear waivers. Steelers: Will likely be without fullback and special teams captain Rosie Nix for Sunday’s visit by Seattle. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Nix is dealing with a knee injury.
Texans: Center Nick Martin has signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension. Martin, who is set to make just more than $1.1 million this season, will be under contract through the 2022 season.
Titans: Added center Hroniss Grasu to their active roster and waived running back Dalyn Dawkins.