Jets cut veteran fullback Richardson
John Conner claimed several victims throughout the preseason, playing his way into Rex Ryan's heart with his bonecrushing hits.
The guy affectionately dubbed "The Terminator" took out another unsuspecting target Sunday, this time knocking someone out without even setting foot on the field.
The Jets released veteran fullback Tony Richardson, a curious move that could turn out to be a cost-cutting decision. Besides letting the 16-year pro go, the Jets parted ways with wide receiver David Clowney and running back Chauncey Washington.
They severed ties with that trio to make room for the players they signed off waivers, shuffling their 53-man roster a day after it was initially set by inking wide receiver Patrick Turner, tackle Patrick Brown and defensive tackle Marcus Dixon.
Getting rid of the 38-year-old Richardson - who could be asked back after Week 1 so his 2010 salary wouldn't be guaranteed - and going with unproven rookie Conner is a bold move.
"Each season, there are difficult choices when constructing the 53-man roster, and this year is no exception," general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. "We appreciate Tony's contributions and leadership over the past two seasons and have nothing but the highest respect for him as a person and as a player."
Signed as a free agent in 2008, Richardson was an integral part of the rushing attack the past two seasons. He helped pave the way for the 2009 Jets' top-ranked ground game, which stockpiled an NFL-leading and franchise-best 2,756 yards. The Jets averaged 172.3 yards per game, and Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene always gave Richardson credit for their fortunes.
Richardson's departure makes him the latest well-liked veteran locker-room presence to be sent packing, joining Jones, Alan Faneca and Leon Washington. Jones and Faneca were released in part because of their declining production, but financial reasons also played a role. Washington was traded to Seattle for a fifth-round pick, which was used to select Conner.
Conner gives the Jets two new starters up front. Second-year pro Matt Slauson gets the nod at left guard, replacing Faneca.
Clowney didn't exactly flourish on special teams throughout the preseason. Washington made the initial 53-man roster Saturday thanks to a strong finish to the preseason and totaled 75 yards on 20 carries in four games for the Jets. But the Jets apparently had more positive feelings about Turner, Brown and Dixon.
Turner, a former teammate of Mark Sanchez's at USC, was drafted by the Dolphins in 2009 but dressed for only two games.
Brown, a 6-5, 310-pounder who was signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in 2009, spent last season mostly on the Vikings' practice squad.
The 6-4, 295-pound Dixon came into the league in 2008 as an undrafted free agent and was a member of the Cowboys' practice squad his first two seasons.
