The New York Jets parted ways with Antonio Cromartie on Monday, marking the end of the cornerback’s second stint with the team.
The release of Cromartie reportedly allows the Jets to save $8 million on their salary cap. Cromartie, 31, was due to make $8 million in 2016 in the second season of a four-year, $32 million contract.
The move wasn’t a surprise after Cromartie experienced a subpar season in 2015.
Cromartie also played with the Jets from 2010-13 – intercepting 13 passes during that span – before playing for the Arizona Cardinals in 2014. Cromartie didn’t intercept a single pass in 2015.
Cromartie has 31 career interceptions in 10 NFL seasons. His best campaign was in 2007 with the San Diego Chargers when he led the NFL with 10 interceptions.
—The Philadelphia Eagles signed safety Malcolm Jenkins to a new five-year contract that will keep him with the team through the 2020 season.
Jenkins, 28, was entering the final season of a three-year, $15.5 million contract. He reportedly will receive $35 million in his new deal, including $21 guaranteed.
Jenkins earned his first Pro Bowl last season after recording 109 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions, starting all 16 games.
Jenkins’ shining moment in 2015 came against the New England Patriots on Dec. 6 when he grabbed a deflection of a Tom Brady pass and returned the interception 99 yards for a touchdown in the Eagles’ 35-28 victory.
In two seasons with the Eagles, Jenkins has totaled 189 tackles, five forced fumbles and five interceptions.
Jenkins spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in New Orleans, helping the Saints capture a Super Bowl title as a rookie in 2009.
—The Indianapolis Colts waived outside linebacker Jonathan Newsome on Monday after he was arrested for possession of marijuana last week.
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Newsome was drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played in 30 career games (three starts) and registered 61 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
Newsome, 25, was arrested in Zionsville, Ind., on Feb. 17 for possession of marijuana. Police arrived at Newsome’s home after a caller complained about loud music and found marijuana. Newsome was arrested and taken to the Boone County Jail on two counts of possession of marijuana after he was observed with the drug.
The Colts also released outside linebacker Andy Studebaker. He has played in 97 career NFL games (nine starts) and recorded 70 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 68 special teams tackles.
—The Denver Broncos announced they have signed defensive lineman Phil Taylor, a former first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns who was released last year due to a knee injury.
Taylor was out of the NFL in 2015, but was considered one of the league’s top interior run defenders while recording 40 tackles and 7.0 sacks for the Browns from 2011-14. However, he played in only five games in 2014 and has played more than half the season just twice in his career.
Taylor, who will turn 28 in April, provides some veteran insurance in case the Broncos lose Malik Jackson in free agency.
The Broncos also announced the signing of tight end Richard Gordon. In 35 career games over five seasons, Gordon has four career catches for 14 yards and one touchdown to go with 18 special teams tackles.
—Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell said he will not run the 40-yard dash at this week’s NFL Combine because he has spent limited time training for the event.
The top-rated wide receiver and No. 6-rated prospect overall by NFLDraftScout.com, Treadwell said he has been training in Miami but not focusing on the 40. After the combine, he will increase his speed training in anticipation of his March 28 pro day in Oxford, Miss.
Treadwell is the clear top receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft class, with Baylor’s Corey Coleman the only other strong first-round prospect at the position by NFLDraftScout.com. Ohio State’s Michael Thomas and TCU’s Josh Doctson could also earn first-round consideration from some teams.
Treadwell had his best season as a junior in 2015, leading the SEC in receiving with 82 catches for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns.
—The Arizona Cardinals re-signed punter Drew Butler.
The 6-foot-1, 217-pound Butler punted in 31 regular-season games for the Cardinals in the past two seasons after joining the team in September 2014.
With the Cardinals, the 26-year-old Butler has 139 punts for a 42.5 yard average with 56 punts inside the 20-yard line. His 34 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2014 tied for the most in the NFL.
—The San Francisco 49ers waived tight end Brian Leonhardt, the club announced.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Leonhardt played in four games for San Francisco last season and had one catch for four years. Leonhardt, 25, has six receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown for the Oakland Raiders in 2014.