Jets To Cut Taylor, Jenkins, Woody And Gholston
Updated: 3/1/11 7:50 a.m.
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Jets plan to release several high profile players, including veteran outside linebacker Jason Taylor, nose tackle Kris Jenkins, offensive tackle Damien Woody and outside linebacker-defensive end Vernon Gholston, according to the New York Daily News.
Woody confirmed the news on his Twitter account, saying: "Just informed about my release....I want to thank the Jets and all the fans out there...it was a great ride!"
By parting ways with the four players, the Jets could save about $10 million dollars. There is a possibility the Jets could sign all four to reduced salaries after being released.
Taylor, 36, joined the Jets last offseason, signing a two-year deal, but finished with just five sacks and 36 tackles. Following the AFC championship game loss to Pittsburgh, Taylor said he was hopeful the Jets would bring him back. He has 132.5 sacks in what will likely end up as a Hall of Fame career.
Jenkins' run with New York was marred by injury. The 31-year-old nose tackle, who at one time was among the best in the NFL at his position, played in just seven games over the last two seasons due to two knee injuries. It's believed if Jenkins is healthy during training camp the Jets may consider trying to bring him back for less.
Woody excelled during his three seasons with the Jets, becoming a reliable pass protector and adept run blocker, but the 33-year-old broke down a bit this past season, missing three regular season games due to a bad knee before an Achilles' injury kept him out of the AFC divisional round and championship playoff games. It's believed Wayne Hunter will step right in and fill the spot.
Gholston was given every opportunity to succeed with the Jets, but failed to live up to the hype after he was taken No. 6 overall in the 2008 draft, starting just five games and recording just 15 tackles in three seasons.
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