HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Not even the spotty play by the rest of the secondary could save Otis Smith’s job with the New York Jets. He was one of eight players cut by the Jets on Sunday as they got the roster down to 62, three below the league requirement by Tuesday.

Smith could wind up in New England playing for Bill Belichick, who was his defensive coordinator with the Jets from 1997-99.

Other veterans waived by the Jets Sunday were linebacker Casey Dailey, tackle Ian Rafferty,and wide receiver Fred Coleman. Four rookies were cut: seventh-rounddefensive tackle Richard Seals from Utah; free agent linebackers Brent Naccara of Maine and Kelvin Moses of Wake Forest; and fullback Mike Stack of Northern Illinois.

Wayne Chrebet chuckled when told of former teammate/adversary Keyshawn Johnson’s reported comment that Dedric Ward should be the Jets’ No. 1 receiver. Chrebet was asked why Johnson so often speaks about Chrebet, whom he once called a mascot. “I think he’s in love with me,” Chrebet said with a smile.