Mills, 30, has spent the last three seasons with the Patriots and was with the Giants in training camp earlier this year. The veteran safety is long removed from his 2017 season when he totaled 64 tackles and three interceptions for the Eagles while helping them to their first Super Bowl, but Mills can still provide valuable experience to a stout Jets secondary. Even if he is promoted from the practice squad in the coming weeks, Mills won’t be anything more than added depth on this roster.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report that the Giants have parted ways with Mills, who was on the NFI list earlier with a calf strain. Now healthy, the veteran defensive back is expected to draw interest from teams in need of secondary help. Mills totaled 45 tackles in 17 games with the Patriots last season and made eight starts. Mills has ample experience as a starter and can provide valuable experience as an eight-year vet of the league.

Mills will head to New York to help a Giants’ defense that ranked 27th in the NFL last season. He spent his last three seasons as a Patriot where he collected 45 tackles in 2023. The team hopes Mills can bring some veteran leadership to a young Giants’ secondary.

The Patriots had released Mills two years into his four-year contract with the team. The move saved New England $5 million against the salary cap. Mills will return to New England for 2023 with what is likely an incentive-laden contract. He had two interceptions in 10 games last season. Mills has seven picks in seven NFL seasons.