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Jets Not Bringing Back Free Agent Safety James Ihedigbo

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Hard-hitting special teams ace James Ihedigbo won't be playing for the Jets this season.

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that New York will not re-sign the free agent safety.

Ihedigbo has been with the Jets since 2007, when they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Massachusetts. He was a key contributor as a backup in Rex Ryan's secondary, setting a career high with three sacks last season, and was second on the Jets with 27 special teams tackles.

Ihedigbo, 27, was a favorite of Ryan and special teams coach Mike Westhoff but will leave after four years in New York.

It was believed the Jets wanted Ihedigbo back, especially since the safety position appeared thin when free agency began. He also tweeted to fans recently saying he wanted to return. But New York then re-signed Eric Smith and Brodney Pool, and added free agent DaJuan Morgan to bolster the safety spot, which includes Jim Leonhard and Emanuel Cook.

The move came on the same day the Jets released popular wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

Good or bad move by the Jets? Be heard in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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