The New York Jets have placed cornerback Trumaine Johnson on injured reserve, possibly ending his tenure with the team.
Early on Tuesday news broke that the New York Jets were signing running back Josh Adams from their practice squad to avoid losing him. There was no news about how the team intended to clear a roster spot.
It’s now known how that roster spot has been cleared, as the team announced that cornerback Trumaine Johnson is being placed on injured reserve. They also signed linebacker Paul Worrilow and placed receiver Josh Bellamy on injured reserve.
We've signed RB Josh Adams and LB Paul Worrilow to the active roster.
WR Josh Bellamy and CB Trumaine Johnson have been placed on IR.
? https://t.co/ZC8bF3m9ge pic.twitter.com/tF4d3RZaNU
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 5, 2019
Johnson struggled last season and hoped to have a bounce-back in year two. However, the cornerback managed to be significantly worse, allowing a passer rating when targeted. He’s made only five starts as he was benched in favor of Nate Hairston for several games early in the season.
Johnson’s contract made him impossible to move at the trade deadline, and it is expected that he will be cut after this season. That is despite the fact that he will count $12 million against the cap while leaving only $3 million in savings. That’s how badly the team wants to be rid of him, as they are likely to eat that much dead money for him to not be on the team.
Former general manager Mike Maccagnan made many mistakes during his tenure, but the Johnson signing could well go down as his worst. It was a massive waste of resources and cap space and he gave the team virtually no production.
Worrilow last played in 2017 with the Detroit Lions, as he spent 2018 on injured reserve with the Philadelphia Eagles, general manager Joe Douglas’ former employer. Across his five year career, he has 413 tackles with two interceptions, four sacks, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
He was last with the Baltimore Ravens during training camp, but had requested his release as he was unsure about his desire to continue playing. Adams spent last season with the Eagles with 511 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He added 58 yards on seven receptions. He’s been with the team’s practice squad since being cut by the Eagles at the end of training camp.
Bellamy, an eight-year veteran, has two receptions for 20 yards on the season. He’s been used primarily as a special teams player this season.
