By Neil Best

Newsday

The New York Jets have traded defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for receiver Jermaine Kearse and draft considerations — a second-round pick in 2018 and a swap of seventh-round picks with the Seahawks — ESPN and the NFL Network reported Friday afternoon.

The move gives the Jets the veteran receiver they need to bolster an inexperienced group while parting ways with Richardson, something they have been seeking to do for some time.

Richardson’s spot on the defensive line could be filled by Kony Ealy, whom the Jets claimed off waivers this week and who played well in the preseason finale against the Eagles on Thursday night.

Kearse, 27, spent five seasons in Seattle after signing in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Washington. He totaled 153 receptions for 2,110 yards and 11 touchdowns with Seattle.

He won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks after the 2013 season, catching four passes for 65 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown catch, in Seattle’s 43-8 victory over the Broncos at MetLife Stadium.

But his most memorable Super Bowl moment came the next year, when he made a spectacular catch in the final minute that seemed to set up the Seahawks for a late victory over the Patriots.

Instead, the Seahawks saw their final offensive play result in an interception at the goal line and a 28-24 loss.

Richardson, 26, was the 13th overall pick in the 2013 draft and seemed bound for stardom, winning the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

In 2014, he made the Pro Bowl. But in 2015, he was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and in 2016 he missed one game for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Richardson was at the center of the locker room drama that helped sink the 2016 team, including a feud with receiver Brandon Marshall. Coach Todd Bowles was determined to put an end to that era, and parting ways with Richardson was the final, bold step in that direction.