Linebacker one of seven cuts made Tuesday as Jets aim to reduce salary cap limits.As the New York Jets begin to attempt one of the longest rebuilding processes in recent memory, they had to free up their huge wage bill in order to go forward as a franchise.
That fateful day for seven players on the roster was Tuesday, as the Jets began to evaluate every player on the team, and decide who is worth keeping, and who is just a financial burden.
The biggest name to be released was veteran linebacker Bart Scott. The charismatic linebacker spent three years with the team, and was instrumental in the two seasons that the Jets reached the AFC Conference Championship.
Scott had a massive drop in performance last season, his worst since 2004, and the Jets believe that they should look in a younger direction at the position.
The 32 year-old would have been due $7.15m, and new GM Gene Idzik deemed that salary incredibly high in comparison to his performances on the field. With the Jets moving towards a younger side, $7m could provide enough money to sign tow or three players, who are just as capable as Scott and be more mobile around the field.
The former Baltimore Raven will still find himself on a team next season, as clubs in need of experience and solid defensive production will look to the veteran for help.
He could very easily land himself at two-year deal at a team such as Jacksonville or Oakland, who have holes all over their defense. The 32 year-old would provide a good stop-gap for those teams, teach younger players and provide them with cover until they are able to select a high impact player in future drafts.
Every team must release players that perhaps they don’t want to every season as the salary cap system demands that teams can’t always keep hold of their superstars or fan favourites.
Rex Ryan will be sad to see him leave, but knows the decision was the right one as the team looks to regain control of the AFC East.
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