The Jets have released their stone-handed WR Stephen Hill. The 6’4″, 215-lb. WR has averaged less than 26 yards/game since being drafted 43rd overall in 2013.
The New York Jets are reportedly parting ways with WR Stephen Hill, the team’s second-round draft pick in 2012.
The move comes after Hill once again displayed terrible hands and an inability to use his immense frame – 6’4″, 215 lbs. with a 4.35 40-time – to win balls against defenders.
Hill was drafted by the Jets under former General Manager Mike Tannenbaum in 2012. The team traded up with the Seattle Seahawks to nab Hill – two picks ahead of future Bears Pro Bowl WR Alshon Jeffrey, a player with nearly identical skills.
In his first NFL game against the Buffalo Bills, Hill wowed fans by catching 5 passes for 89 yards and two TDS – a Jets franchise record for a debuting receiver. But Hill fell off the map throughout the rest of the season, only recording an additional 16 catches for 163 yards and 1 TD before ending the season on injured reserve.
In 2013, Hill once again struggled with holding onto the ball but had his first 100+ yard receving game against the Bills (again) with 108 yards and a TD. But after the game, Hill was invisible for a long stretch – only recording 1 reception for 2 yards in his final four games before ending the season on injured reserve once again.
For his two year, 23-game career with the Jets, Hill averaged just under 26 yards/game.
With Hill gone, the Jets will likely start WR David Nelson at his spot. Nelson, who the Jets picked up one month into the 2013 season, finished 3rd on the team in receiving yards and was tied for 2nd in receiving TDs – both of which he scored against the Cleveland Browns, who had cut him before the season started.
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