FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — 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.

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CHARGERS-BILLS TRADE: The Los Angeles Chargers acquired quarterback Cardale Jones from Buffalo on Wednesday in exchange for an undisclosed conditional draft pick.

The 6-foot-5 Jones led Ohio State to a national title during the 2014 season. After one more year with the Buckeyes, he was a fourth-round pick by the Bills in 2016. Jones was inactive for 15 games in Buffalo before throwing 11 passes in the fourth quarter of the season finale.

BROWNS: Rookie defensive end Myles Garrett has fully recovered from a foot sprain and is ready for training camp.

After the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft suffered a left lateral foot sprain during minicamp in June, there was some concern he might be out for an extensive period.

Garrett will be monitored during practices and it’s possible he could be kept out of some drills.

BILLS: Safety Colt Anderson was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list because of a foot injury. The Bills didn’t reveal the severity of the injury or when he was hurt.

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WASHINGTON: Tight end Jordan Reed was a surprise inclusion on the team’s physically unable to perform list.

Reed, safety DeAngelo Hall, linebacker Houston Bates and receiver Kendal Thompson were also put on the PUP list Wednesday. They each missed offseason workouts with injuries.

But the inclusion of Reed came out of nowhere. Washington’s top pass-catcher skipped voluntary offseason workouts, but looked good during minicamp.

VIKINGS: Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen signed a four-year extension, keeping him under contract through 2022. The deal is worth $58 million, including $34 million in guaranteed money, according to a source close to the negotiations.

Griffen, 29, is entering his eighth season and has two years left on his current contract. He has recorded 30.5 sacks over the past three years.

RAMS: The team signed veteran quarterback Dan Orlovsky. He is likely to compete with Sean Mannion for the backup job.


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