Jets ‘D’ is a Shel of itself

THE JETS stayed on script Monday as they returned to practice for the first time since the franchise dealt defensive mainstay Sheldon Richardson to the Seahawks.

The term “business decision” was thrown around repeatedly by players and coaches, and it’s hard to argue with that characterization. Richardson is 26 years old and was unequivocally one of thew Jets’ most talented players. At the same time, Richardson will be a free agent after this season, the Jets had a surplus of defensive linemen and general manager Mike Maccagnan is building for the future.

The Jets sent Richardson to Seattle in exchange for veteran wideout Jermaine Kearse and a 2018 secondround pick. The teams also swapped seventh-round picks.

“It was a good move for both parties,” Todd Bowles said Monday. “It was a good move for us short-term and long-term. We needed another wideout. We got an extra pick. They got a good player.”

Though he endured the worst statistical season of his career in 2016, finishing with just 1.5 sacks in 15 games, Richardson’s potential is unquestioned. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 and followed that up with a Pro Bowl appearance the following season.

Richardson has certainly proven he’s capable of producing at a higher clip than he did last season — regardless of the reason for the underperformance. And considering Richardson is poised for a lucrative long-term contract if he can rebound in 2017, it’s safe to bet he will be a valuable addition for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.

The consensus among former Jets teammates is that Richardson will be sorely missed in Florham Park.

“That’s still my brother. That’s still my friend. I know he’s going to do great things out in Seattle,” defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson said.

Kearse has never been a dominant pass-catcher in the regular season, but he was a crucial piece in the Seahawks’ back-to-back Super Bowl runs in 2013 and 2014. And the 27-year-old should provide needed guidance for a young and unproven group of receivers.

“I got a chip on my shoulder,” Kearse said. “I’m still hungry out here, and I got a lot of things that I want to prove.”

The first step for Kearse will be learning John Morton’s complex playbook. Josh McCown will play a major role in getting Kearse prepared for the Week 1 matchup in Buffalo.

“We’re going to do it,” McCown said. “Same mantra as the last few weeks: There’s no excuses. We’re going to get it done.”