Long-time center for the New York Jets, Nick Mangold, has been released by the club after 11 seasons. He’ll hit unrestricted free agency.
It’s really the end of an era for the New York Jets. Their two best offensive linemen from the previous decade are no longer with the team. Offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson retired after the 2015 NFL season. Center Nick Mangold has been released by the Jets after 11 strong seasons in New York.
Mangold tweeted out a message about the Jets decision to move on from him. He thanked all the fans at MetLife Stadium that proudly wore his No. 74 jersey for so many years in support of Gang Green.
Mangold was the former No. 29 pick by the Jets in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. In his prime, Mangold was widely regarded as one of the best centers in football.
However, injuries in recent years have limited his overall effectiveness on the gridiron. Mangold only appeared in eight games for the Jets in 2016. He was entering the final year of his seven-year deal with the Jets, one he signed with New York for $54 million in 2011.
This move will certainly help the Jets going up against the cap. Mangold was scheduled to make $6 million in 2017, but his $2.4 million roster bonus was coming up, making him a cap hit at a little over $9 million.
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Mangold may hang up the spikes, as he’s 33 years old. However, there should be a team or two in the NFL in dire need of an upgrade at center. At minimum, Mangold could come in and be a veteran presence to a young offensive line learning how to sustain success in the NFL.