NFL Offseason Transactions: Feb. 17-23

February 25, 2016

29 Aug 2011, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA --- August 29, 2011: New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) looking on without his helmet on during the NFL preseason game between the New York Jets and the New York Giants at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets beat Giants 17-3.(Credit Image: © Chris Szagola/Cal Sport Media) --- Image by © Chris Szagola/ZUMA Press/Corbis

By Matt Case 02/25/16

The New York Jets released cornerback Antonio Cromartie on Monday to make room for free agency which begins March 7. The termination of Cromartie’s original four-year, $32 million contract signed last offseason saves the Jets $8 million in salary-cap space. Cromartie, 32, played in 15 games this past season and did not record an interception or forced fumble.

Other Releases

The New England Patriots released defensive back Leonard Johnson after one season on Feb. 17. The 25-year-old started three games and did not have an interception.

Two-time Pro Bowler Randy Starks is out of a job as the Cleveland Browns released him on Feb. 18. In his only season with the Browns, Starks recorded one sacks and 14 tackles in 15 starts.

After sporting a Raiders jerseys for the first four games, being traded, and then wearing a Lions jersey for the final eight games of the 2015 season, defensive end C.J. Wilson was released by Detroit on Feb. 20. The 28-year-old did not start a game for the Lions and recorded one sack.

After two years in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts waived linebacker Jonathan Newsome on Monday. Originally drafted by the Colts in the fifth round in 2014, Newsome started three games for them between his two years, and recorded seven-and-a-half sacks with 5 forced fumbles. Indianapolis also waived linebacker Andy Studebaker.

Signings

The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with safety Malcolm Jenkins on a five-year contract Monday. In his second year with the Eagles, the Pro Bowler started every game, recording 87 tackles, two interceptions with one touchdown, and three forced fumbles.

The Miami Dolphins signed two-year arena football player A.J. Cruz to their roster on Feb. 19. Cruz played four years at Brown University before going undrafted in 2014. He was cut from the Chicago Bears training camp in 2015.

The New York Giants re-signed long snapper Zak DeOssie.

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed their punter, Drew Butler.

Retirings

Five-time Pro Bowler Jared Allen announced his retirement on Feb. 18. Allen, 33, has 136 career sacks and 32 forced fumbles with four different teams. He is ninth on the all-time sack list.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the retirement of tight end Heath Miller on Feb. 19. Miller spent all 11 seasons with Pittsburgh, compiling 592 receptions, 6,569 yards, and 45 touchdowns. The 33-year-old won two Super Bowls and made two Pro Bowls.

Image courtesy of Corbis Images