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Jets Replace Practice Squad Cornerback, Sign Former Cowboys' Starter

Gang Green's latest addition has made 69 NFL starts since 2016

The New York Jets added a former Dallas Cowboys' starter to their organization on Tuesday.

Making a Practice Squad change at the cornerback position, the Jets signed Anthony Brown to the 16-man unit. In a corresponding move, Craig James was released to make room.

Brown, who made two appearances for the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season, spent the first seven years of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. The 2016 sixth-round draft pick played 94 games for the Cowboys, including 69 starts. Dallas chose to move on from Brown after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 13 last year. 

After a two-week stay on the Pittsburgh Steelers' Practice Squad this past September, Brown joined the 49ers. He was active for San Francisco's games in Weeks 5 and 8 before being released on October 31.

Set to turn 30 years old on December 15, Brown has nine career interceptions and five forced fumbles to his credit. He has recorded 324 tackles and 59 passes defensed. Brown faced the Jets for 21 snaps in a 2019 head-to-head meeting, making one tackle in Gang Green's 24-22 triumph over Dallas. Sam Darnold threw for 338 yards that day.

Brown is one of three cornerbacks currently on the Jets' Practice Squad, joining Kalon Barnes and Tae Hayes.

James, who spent the entire preseason with the Jets, has logged multiple stints on the Practice Squad this year. Most recently, he was released on November 15 before re-signing on November 21. The 27-year-old James was a gameday elevation for the Jets in Weeks 5 and 6, playing 41 snaps in the 20-14 home win over Philadelphia. He has 23 career games under his belt.

Jets' Practice Squad (Updated Nov. 28)

CB Kalon Barnes 

CB Anthony Brown

S Trey Dean

OL Chris Glaser

OL Jake Hanson

CB Tae Hayes

DL Jalyn Holmes

TE Zack Kuntz

LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball

WR Lance McCutcheon

OL Rodger Saffold

DT Tanzel Smart

DT Marquiss Spencer

WR Malik Taylor

RB Xazavian Valladay

DT Perrion Winfrey 

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