New York Jets release Nick Mangold after 11 seasons with franchise
Tuesday 28 February 2017 18:03, UK
Two-time All-Pro centre Nick Mangold has been released by the New York Jets.
The 33-year-old has played for only the Jets since being drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft but he says he is not ready for retirement and will be looking for a new team in free agency.
Mangold has been selected for the Pro Bowl on seven occasions and earned All-Pro honours in 2009 and 2010.
But injuries affected him in the second half of the Jets' dismal 2016 campaign and the franchise deemed him expendable because of his $9.075m (£7.25m) cap number for next season.
Mangold missed eight games, four more than he had missed in his first 10 seasons combined.
"Decisions of this magnitude are always difficult, but even more so with someone like Nick who has meant so much to this organisation," Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said.
"We appreciate not just his on-field contributions, but the imprint that his mentality and approach to the game leaves on this team."
Mangold's departure means the Jets face a rebuild on their offensive line, with the team having released tackle Brent Giacomini last week.
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