Jets cut injured Gilchrist, re-sign linebacker Carter

NEW YORK >> Marcus Gilchrist’s future with the New York Jets was uncertain when they drafted Jamal Adams in the first round last week.

After they took another safety — Marcus Maye — in the second round, Gilchrist’s fate was sealed.

New York released Gilchrist on Thursday, ending the veteran safety’s stint with the Jets after two seasons. He tore the patellar tendon in his right knee on the opening kickoff of the second half of New York’s win at San Francisco on Dec. 11 and it was unclear when he would be ready to play again.

“We like Marcus Gilchrist, but it was tough with the injuries,” general manager Mike Maccagnan said during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We wish him well in the future.”

The Jets also announced that they resigned backup linebacker Bruce Carter and released fullback Chris Swain and cornerback Nick Marshall, who was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers. Gilchrist, 28, was considered the quarterback of the Jets’ secondary, a veteran leader who coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers relied on.

“He was almost like a coach on the field,” Rodgers said shortly after Gilchrist was lost for the season. “Even at practice out on the field — Wednesday, Thursday — you give him a formation, he’s calling the play. That’s just the kind of leadership he has.”

Gilchrist had five interceptions in 29 games with the Jets in two seasons. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chargers.

Griffey Jr.’s son signs

The Indianapolis Colts have signed 18 undrafted rookies, including receivers Trey Griffey and Jerome Lane, whose fathers were pro athletes.

Griffey, the son of baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., finished his career at Arizona with 79 catches, 1,241 yards and six TD catches. He was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 2016 baseball draft.

Lane’s father played in the NBA and broke a backboard in college at Pitt.