Jets claim WR-KR Whitehead after Cowboys cut him
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets claimed wide receiver-kick returner Lucky Whitehead on Wednesday, two days after the Cowboys cut him following a shoplifting charge in what turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
A man used Whitehead's identity to steal $40 worth of food and drink from a Virginia convenience store in June. Dallas released him Monday after reports that Whitehead was arrested and subsequently cited for missing a court hearing.
The Jets, desperate for help at receiver, claimed the three-year veteran and waived receiver Devin Street.
Whitehead appeared in 30 games the past two seasons with the Cowboys. He averaged 25.6 yards on 33 kick returns and 6.9 yards on 44 punt returns, and had nine receptions as a reserve receiver.
When the charges against Whitehead were announced, his agent, Dave Rich, contended that his client wasn't in Virginia at the time of the reported arrest. Police subsequently said they are seeking the person who used the identity of Rodney Darnell Whitehead Jr., the receiver's given name.
Whitehead could file a grievance with the players' union about his release.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones and coach Jason Garrett said Whitehead's release was an accumulation of events, although Garrett acknowledged Monday that the decision came after the club did more work gathering information.
During his second season in 2016, Whitehead was left at home for a December game at the New York Giants after missing a Saturday walkthrough. He also was involved in a car accident that Garrett found out about through media reports.
---
More AP NFL: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
-
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: Date, time, how to watch, TV channel
Could Dak Prescott and Bill Belichick team up in 2025 — on the Giants?
The Sum God: How Amon-Ra St. Brown’s record WR deal affects other star wideouts
-
2024 NFL mock draft: 4 QBs in top 5, 4 receivers in first 10 picks
2024 NFL Draft order: Every pick for all seven rounds
2024 NFL Draft QB rankings: Caleb Williams leads top 10 prospects
-
2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 100 led by Caleb Williams
What might Dak Prescott's next contract look like — and will it come with Cowboys?
2023 NFL WR rankings: Justin Jefferson leads loaded list of top 10 receivers
-
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: Date, time, how to watch, TV channel
Could Dak Prescott and Bill Belichick team up in 2025 — on the Giants?
The Sum God: How Amon-Ra St. Brown’s record WR deal affects other star wideouts
-
2024 NFL mock draft: 4 QBs in top 5, 4 receivers in first 10 picks
2024 NFL Draft order: Every pick for all seven rounds
2024 NFL Draft QB rankings: Caleb Williams leads top 10 prospects
-
2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 100 led by Caleb Williams
What might Dak Prescott's next contract look like — and will it come with Cowboys?
2023 NFL WR rankings: Justin Jefferson leads loaded list of top 10 receivers