HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -The New York Jets released defensive end Eric Hicks and offensive tackle Adrian Jones on Tuesday.
Hicks, 31, was signed by the Jets as an unrestricted free agent in May after he spent his first nine seasons in Kansas City, where he was fifth on the Chiefs' career sacks list with 40 1/2. He was expected to help bolster New York's pass rush, but didn't have any sacks in 11 games.
Hicks' role diminished in recent weeks; he was inactive for three of the last five games. He was selected the Jets' practice squad player of the week after the victory at Miami on Dec. 2, an odd distinction for a 10-year veteran. Hicks finished with 23 tackles, including eight solo.
Jones, the Jets' fourth-round pick in 2004, appeared in seven games this season, but was inactive the last seven games. A converted tight end, Jones played in 44 games on the offensive line during his Jets career, including 16 starts -three at right tackle and 13 at left tackle - in 2005.
Jones had some legal problems last season, when he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. He was fined $20,000 by the team and was monitored by the NFL as a first-time offender of the league's substance abuse policy.
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