Jets claim DE Kony Ealy off waivers

The New York Jets added to an already strong defensive line on Sunday, claiming defensive end Kony Ealy off waivers.

Ealy was released Saturday by the New England Patriots, who had acquired him in a March trade with the Carolina Panthers.

He will be reunited with Sheldon Richardson, who besides being a former Missouri teammate, has adeeper connection to Ealy. A few years ago, they discovered they're cousins, Ealy told NFL.com in 2013.

To make room for Ealy, the Jets waived injured defensive lineman Anthony Johnson, another former Patriot.

The Jets are loaded on the defensive line with Richardson, Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson, but they saw this as an opportunity to add a player with raw talent. Ealy, in the final year of his rookie contract, will essentially have a one-week audition to make the 53-man roster.

Ealy, a second-round pick of the Panthers in 2014, made a name for himself with three sacks in Super Bowl 50.

In three seasons, including 15 starts, Ealy has 14 sacks.