FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New England Patriots are known for finding useful players on the NFL scrap heap and plugging them into contributing roles. Early this season, the New York Jets found a player in that fashion -- wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, who, ironically, was tossed to the heap by the Patriots.
In 2013, Thompkins caught 32 passes for the Patriots as an undrafted rookie, but he was sent packing during the 2014 season. He returned to the Patriots earlier this season, on the practice squad, but that lasted only three weeks.