The depleted cornerback situation for the New York Jets due to injury and simply lack of talent might force them to make a trade before the season begins, with the team setting its sights on Johnathan Joseph of the Houston Texans.

Right now, with Dee Milliner injured, it means that Darrin Walls and converted safety Antonio Allen will start at cornerback. It also shows that since giving up on Darrelle Revis via trade, the New York Jets did a very bad job in replacing his talents at quarterback, waiting until the third round to take one in the most recent draft (Dexter McDougle). McDougle was known to being injury prone before being picked, and is now out for the season.

The Jets also cut Dimitri Patterson for his behavior, although the signs were on the wall with that one as well considering the number of teams he has played for during his career with only 20 starts to show for it. A team that relies on its defense and especially on the play of its secondary to keep things intact can’t afford to enter a season with so little substance and talent between the two starting players, unless Milliner recovers quickly from his ankle injury.

Joseph? The Texans aren’t exactly happy with letting him go, but it all depends on the draft pick the Jets offer him. Why him specifically? He’s solid, a former Pro-Bowler who like the rest of the Texans team had an off year in 2013. Now the question is whether he’s hitting the long and painful declining road due to him getting older, or is he still a very good football player who just had one bad season.

The Jets are also looking through the waivers at players released after the great “purge” that cuts down rosters to 53 players. There’s nothing too enticing or exciting about players that are free agents because they’re not good enough for other teams, but it’ll come down to how badly the Jets need a proven corner, and what they’re willing to give up for it.

Joseph is entering his ninth NFL season, playing for the Bengals from 2006 to 2010 and over the last three seasons with the Texans. He has 23 career interceptions in 111 games, making two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team.

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