DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Sports Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets claimed cornerback Leon McFadden off waivers from the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and released cornerback LeQuan Lewis to make room on the 53-man roster.
McFadden, a third-round draft pick last year, started the last two preseason games for the Browns but was waived Saturday. His familiarity with the Jets’ defensive style — Browns coach Mike Pettine runs a system similar to the one by his former boss Rex Ryan — is a plus. But he struggled with penalties throughout the summer.
McFadden played in all 16 games and started two for the Browns as a rookie, finishing with 19 total tackles. He’ll help add depth to a thin secondary.
The Jets are without top cornerback Dee Milliner, who is still recovering from a high ankle sprain that could sideline him for the regular-season opener. Dimitri Patterson, projected as the other starter, was released Saturday after a bizarre week that started when he didn’t show for the Jets’ preseason game on Aug. 22 and the team said he didn’t talk directly to anyone in the organization for 48 hours.
Lewis was signed by the Jets late in training camp and had an interception in the preseason finale at Philadelphia.
The Jets also announced that they filled seven of their 10 available practice squad spots, signing defensive tackle Tevita Finau, defensive lineman Kerry Hyder, safety Rontez Miles, tight end Chris Pantale, offensive tackle Brent Qvale, running back Daryl Richardson and quarterback Matt Simms. They all spent training camp with the Jets this summer.
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