HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Oct. 11, 2006) -- The New York Jets released defensive back Derrick Strait and signed cornerback Hank Poteat.
Strait played in all five games this season, mainly as the nickel back, and started at safety against Indianapolis two weeks ago. A third-round draft pick in 2004, Strait had 65 tackles in 25 games with the Jets.
It's actually the second time New York has cut ties with Strait in the last two months. The Jets traded him to Cleveland for running back Lee Suggs on Aug. 14, but Suggs failed his physical and the trade was voided.
Suggs subsequently wound up with Miami and was released Oct. 10 by the Dolphins.
Poteat was released by New England on Oct. 9 after starting one of the two games he played for the Patriots. He was signed by the Jets in the preseason and lasted a day, cut after playing in the team's exhibition game against Philadelphia.
Poteat, in his sixth NFL season, spent his first four years with Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay, and was signed by New England before the 2004 playoffs. He has 64 tackles in 54 games, and has seen considerable time on special teams.
"It was a situation where we thought we could improve the team," coach Eric Mangini said. "And I've got familiarity with Hank and he's got a lot of familiarity with the system."
