The New York Jets announced on Monday that they would release Vernon Gholston, Jason Taylor, Kris Jenkins, and Damien Woody. The Jets had previously said that they would be making some cuts before March 3rd, when the current CBA ends.
Gholston was guaranteed to go after another unsuccessful season in a Jet uniform. He failed to record a sack in his first three years in the NFL. Gholston was taken sixth overall by the Jets in the 2008 draft and has failed to live up to the hype. Rex Ryan spoke highly of Gholston on HBO’s Hard Knocks. To put it in a clean way, Rex Ryan said that Gholston was maturing. He clearly had not progressed enough to hold onto a roster spot.
Taylor, once hated by the Jets and their fans, was temporarily able to win them over for a season, but that reign has come to an end. Taylor was also expected to be cut by the Jets once the season ended, but he was clearly upset when the idea of being released was brought up after the Jets’ AFC Championship defeat. The former defensive player of the year is getting old and is a few years past his prime. He will probably retire.
There was also much speculation that Jenkins would be released by the Jets this offseason. Jenkins played in only one regular season game and tore his ACL for the second straight season. Jenkins was hoping to return to the Jets for another season after an offseason of rehab, but it appears that he will be given the chance to test free agency. Jenkins can likely return to New York for cheap if he does not receive any better offers. A healthy Jenkins could still have a lot to offer to the Jets or whatever team decides to give him a chance.
Woody was the big cut for the Jets. Woody started 13 games at right tackle this season but suffered through injuries at the end of the regular season and again in the playoffs. Woody came to the Jets in 2008 and solidified a line that became one of the best in the NFL for the next three seasons. Woody may also be able to return at a reduced price if he is not able to find another job in the NFL.
If Woody does not return, his release opens the door for the Jets 2010 second-round pick Vladimir Ducasse to take the starting RT spot. If the Jets resign Wayne Hunter, he will battle with Ducasse for that spot.
Other Jets that have the possibility of getting released are LaDainian Tomlinson and Bryan Thomas, but it appears that both will likely be able to stay with the Jets unless they have other plans during the draft or training camp.
