Jets release Mangold
Move saves Gang Green $9 million in cap space
The Jets made a move Saturday that was not completely unexpected, but still momentous. The team released center Nick Mangold, the longest-tenured Jet and one of the best players in franchise history.
The move is the latest in a series of cuts to give the team salary-cap space in the run-up to free agency, which begins March 9. The release of Mangold clears $9 million in cap space. The team is projected to be about $18.5 million under the cap after releasing Mangold.
Mangold, 33, made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday afternoon.
“My time as a New York Jet has come to an end,” Mangold posted on Twitter. “While this is a sad day to leave so many great coaches, teammates and executives, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me.
“My family and I will always be grateful to Mr. [Woody] Johnson and the entire organization for making me a Jet. I truly want to thank the fans for their amazing support over the past 11 years. It meant a lot to see all the #74 jerseys in the crowd every Sunday. Thank you for a fantastic 11 years!”
The Jets selected Mangold in the first round of the 2006 Draft, with the 29th pick overall. They drafted tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson in the first round that same year, and the duo teamed up to anchor the Jets’ offensive line for the next decade. Ferguson retired a year ago.
“For the past 11 years, Nick Mangold has been a cornerstone of our team both on and off the field,” said Jets owner Woody Johnson in a statement. “As our Pro Bowl center, Nick consistently demonstrated superior skill and unmatched toughness. Equally important, off the field, Nick exhibited respect, sensitivity and compassion for the causes he supported. It has been a privilege to have known Nick these many years and, for all of us, I say Nick will always be a Jet.”
Mangold, 33, indicated at the end of last season that he wants to continue playing. The 2016 season was a tough one for him. He missed eight games with an ankle injury that he re-injured several times. He was on injured reserve for the final four games and surgery was a consideration.
In his prime, Mangold was the best center in the NFL. He made seven Pro Bowls and was twice AllPro. He started in 164 of 176 games during his 11 years with the Jets and helped guide young quarterbacks like Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith.
In December, Mangold was asked about retirement, and said he was not considering it.
“Shoot, I love football,” Mangold said. “I miss it dearly. I’m planning on playing. I want to keep playing football, and I want to do it here.”
The Jets likely will turn to Wesley Johnson to be their starting center. Johnson, a restricted free agent, started last season while Mangold was injured and did a respectable job.
The Mangold move is the latest in the purge of the Jets roster after a 5-11 season. In recent weeks, the Jets have said goodbye to tackles Ryan Clady and Breno Giacomini and kicker Nick Folk. The Jets are try- ing to get younger and get cap space to make moves in free agency.
“Decisions of this magnitude are always difficult, but even more so with someone like [Mangold], who has meant so much to this organization,” GM Mike Maccagnan said in a statement. “We appreciate not just his onfield contributions, but the imprint that his mentality and approach to the game leaves on this team.” ➤ The Jets declined to pick up linebacker Erin Henderson’s option for 2017, a league source confirmed. Henderson, 31, played five games last season, starting four at inside linebacker, before landing on the non-football injury list for a reason that was never revealed. The move by the Jets clears another $2.57 million in salary cap space.