The Jets have waived outside linebacker Quinton Coples, a former first-round pick.
The surprising move Monday comes after the Jets fell to 5-5 with a listless defensive performance in a loss against reserve Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates.
In parts of four seasons, Coples — the No. 16 pick in the 2012 Draft out of North Carolina — compiled 16.5 sacks. His snap count had been in steady decline in coach Todd Bowles’ system.
The 25-year-old’s rookie contract was set to expire following this season.