Damien Woody Released

[C-Mart28]

Damien Woody just announced that he was informed of his release by the Jets.

Here is a link to his twitter account.

http://twitter.com/#!/damienwoody

[Thor99]

Jenkins, Gholston and Taylor too.

[C-Mart28]

Damien Woody just announced that he was informed of his release by the Jets.

Here is a link to his twitter account.

http://twitter.com/#!/damienwoody

and the direct quote:

"Just informed about my release....I want to thank the Jets and all the fans out there...it was a great ride!"

[jaspegs]

Hopefully we can bring him and Jenks back.

[JetsFanInDenver]

I read somewhere that the JETS were looking to re-sign them for a lower price.

[JiFtheOracle]

Jenkins, Gholston and Taylor too.

Cant say I'm surprised or disappointed...we'll thats not true. I'm disappointed the Jets ever signed that pos Jason Taylor, drafted that worthless pos Gholston and that Big Jenk could never stay healthy. I <3 him

[JiFtheOracle]

I read somewhere that the JETS were looking to re-sign them for a lower price.

Creating space for the WR's or Cro?

[#27TheDominator]

Bryan Thomas lives another day.

and the direct quote:

"Just informed about my release....I want to thank the Jets and all the fans out there...it was a great ride!"

Class act.

I read somewhere that the JETS were looking to re-sign them for a lower price.

You mean Woody and Jenkins, right? I'm not so sure they want Taylor or Gholston back.

Creating space for the WR's or Cro?

Just creating space. They didn't want to pay any bonuses on these guys - same as the Bears with Tommy Harris. I don't believe they are signing anybody until there is a CBA. Maybe they'll re-sign these guys cheap, but I doubt they'll even do that. There are probably a ton of guys out there.

[Vudu]

Oh well. On to the next one.

[JetsFanInDenver]

Creating space for the WR's or Cro?

It did not say that.

And now the article has disappeared. So i am not sure how true this is all to begin with.

[Gastineau Lives]

It did not say that.

And now the article has disappeared. So i am not sure how true this is all to begin with.

The ESPN article mentioned clearing space for Santonio.

[JetsFanInDenver]

The ESPN article mentioned clearing space for Santonio.

If thats the case. Sweet!!!!

[JiFtheOracle]

It did not say that.

And now the article has disappeared. So i am not sure how true this is all to begin with.

I know. The "?" was supposed to a signal for speculation on my part.

[SoFlaJets]

Breaking: Jets Cut Gholston, Jenkins, Taylor & Woody

By Bassett on Feb 28, 2011, 7:06 pm

Well, that didn’t take long, while we were waiting on the ink to dry on our blog post about probabilities, Manish Mehta announced that the Jets came through and pulled the trigger on the release of four Jets players to clear cap space for 2011.

BREAKING: #Jets will release Kris Jenkins, Vernon Gholston, Damien Woody and Jason Taylor, per sources. #nfl #nyj

about 1 hour ago via web

TheJetsStream

Manish Mehta

All told, the releases free up more than $10 million in “cap space” in 2011 for the Jets, and they cleared the millstone that was Vernon Gholston’s contract from around their neck. Beyond the $3.5 million bonus they just dodged from VG, see just how the Jets put this plan on Gholston into action last offseason when they restructured his contract last year, via Jason’s excellent article on the subject.

While Taylor, Jenkins, and Woody were as politic as they could have been about the situation in recent weeks, the handwriting was on the wall. While it isn’t easy to see guys like Woody and Jenkins go, the Jets are in dire need of re-signing some of their younger free agents, so those tempting cap numbers caused the team to make the moves they did. No surprise there. Still … maybe there’s hope to a return?

There’s a possibility #Jets may re-sign Jenkins, Gholston, Woody and/or Taylor to reduced salaries after they are cut, per sources #nfl #nyj

about 1 hour ago via web

TheJetsStream

Manish Mehta

Obviously, that’s a nice sentiment, but this is a two-way street. All of these players were in danger of losing playing time in 2011 anyway, so it will come down to the players and their desire to be Jets. If they can’t get more elsewhere, or if they really believe that this team is the best chance at a Super Bowl run in 2011, then maybe they’ll stay on at a minimum level deal. Jason Taylor was the one player I thought the team might cut later rather than sooner, since the team might be concerned from a depth perspective … clearly that’s just not the case. Maybe one or two of these guys would come back, but I think they’ll get better deals and/or more playing time elsewhere.

[SoFlaJets]

look at the sentence in the story that I put in BOLD who writes this stuff anyway?

Jets To Cut Gholston, Jenkins, Woody and Taylor

February 28, 2011 7:41 PM

NEW YOK (WFAN) – The Jets plan to release several high profile players, including veteran outside linebacker Jason Taylor, nose guard 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!”

There is a possibility the Jets could sign all four to reduced salaries after being released.

Gholston was given every opportunity to succeed with the Jets, but failed to live up to ther hype after he was taken No. 6 overall in the 2008 draft, recording just 15 tackles in three seasons.

Jenkins’ run with New York was marred by injury. The 31-year-old nose tackle, who had 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 he can come back healthy in training camp the Jets may consider trying to bring Jenkins 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 before an Achilles’ injury kept him out of the AFC championship game loss to Pittsburgh. It’s believed Wayne Hunter will step right in to fill the left tackle spot, protecting quarterback Mark Sanchez’s blind side.

Taylor, 36, joined the Jets last offseason, signing a two-year deal, but finished with just five sacks and 36 tackles. He has 132.5 sacks in what will likely end up as a Hall of Fame career.

[GreenBeans]

ESPN Story

Monday, February 28, 2011

Jets cut Damien Woody

By Rich Cimini

ESPNNewYork.com

Despite the NFL's labor uncertainty, the New York Jets began the process Monday of paring their roster, releasing right tackle Damien Woody. The Jets also will release nose tackle Kris Jenkins, linebacker Jason Taylor and defensive end Vernon Gholston, according to league sources.

All four moves were expected. Woody and Jenkins are older, high-salaried players coming off major injuries; Taylor is expected to retire after one mediocre season with the Jets; and Gholston proved to be a draft bust.

The Jets didn't confirm any of the moves.

"I kind of had an inkling this could happen," Woody told ESPNNewYork.com. "I'm no fool. As you get older, you understand the business side. I understand my salary-cap situation, age and injury. I don't have any complaints. My time here was priceless. I was part of something special."

Jets blog

Looking for more on

the green and white? ESPNNewYork.com has you covered. Blog

Woody, 33, recovering from surgery on his Achilles tendon, was due to make $3.35 million in 2011. The Jets recently decided to move second-year lineman Vladimir Ducasse to right tackle, an indication that Woody's days were numbered.

The four moves will save the Jets about $13.5 million in 2011 salary and bonuses. That should help them to re-sign some of their many free agents, namely wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards and, possibly, cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

Woody started three seasons for the Jets and was an integral part of one of the league's top offensive lines. The Jets are taking a risk by unloading their most experienced lineman, but they evidently feel it's time for Ducasse, a second-round pick, to make his mark. They also could re-sign backup Wayne Hunter, who replaced Woody late in the season, to compete with Ducasse for the starting job.

Woody said the Jets mentioned the possibility of re-signing with them at a later date. He said he has no intention of retiring.

Money and injury also factored into the Jenkins decision. Knee injuries limited him to seven games over the last two seasons and he was due a $1 million roster bonus on the seventh day of the league year, whenever that is, plus a $3.75 million base salary.

There is a chance that Jenkins, 31, could re-sign, but he obviously would have to take a significant pay cut. He made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Jets after being traded by the Carolina Panthers, but his lack of durability is a major concern. Jenkins is rehabbing in New Jersey, intent on playing somewhere in 2011.

As for Gholston, the Jets waited three years for him to show something -- anything -- but their patience went unrewarded and they finally said goodbye to a disappointing draft bust.

Gholston, chosen sixth overall in the 2008 draft, went three seasons without a sack. It became apparent during the playoffs that the Jets were ready to move on, as Gholston was inactive for all three games.

In three years, Gholston played in 45 games, including five starts, producing only 32 total tackles. He made $21 million in guarantees from his rookie contract, which breaks down to $636,000 per tackle.

It was a bad decision for the Jets, who usually draft well in the first round. Some of their recent first-round picks were Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller, Darrelle Revis, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. But they struck out with Gholston, whose lack of passion and football instinct perplexed two different coaching staffs.

Former coach Eric Mangini was the driving force behind the Gholston pick, team sources have maintained. The Jets hoped that Gholston would respond to Rex Ryan, a player's coach with a player-friendly defensive system, but it was no use. Ryan moved Gholston back to defensive end before the 2010 season, hoping to change to his natural position would spark something.

Taylor, the NFL's leading active sack artist, always figured to be one-and-done with the team he once loved to hate. Taylor, who stunned two fan bases when he signed with the Jets after openly mocking them for years as a member of the Dolphins, is expected to retire from football to pursue a career in show business. After 14 seasons and 133 career sacks, numbers that probably will land him in the Hall of Fame one day, Taylor has nothing left to prove.

After a bitter divorce with the Dolphins, Taylor went against his initial gut feeling and decided to sign with the Jets because he felt they offered the best chance to play in a Super Bowl -- the only void in his career. He came within one game of that goal, losing the AFC Championship in his hometown, Pittsburgh. Afterward, he was emotional as he addressed the media, looking like someone who knew it was over.

Used mostly as a pass-rushing specialist, Taylor recorded five sacks and 35 total tackles in 16 games. He was a full-time player for the first four games, when outside linebacker Calvin Pace was sidelined with a broken foot.

The Jets made a controversial decision to sign Taylor, a longtime nemesis, but they felt he still had some gas in the tank and could improve their fourth-quarter pass rush. As it turned out, his five sacks tied a career low in a 16-game season. Taylor's highlight came Dec. 19 in Pittsburgh, where he tackled running back Mewelde Moore in the end zone for a fourth-quarter safety -- the biggest defensive play in the Jets' season-saving, 22-17 victory.

Taylor made $1.75 million last season, falling two sacks shy of an incentive that would've triggered a $750,000 guarantee for 2011.

The New York Daily News first reported the moves.

[T0mShane]

This roster is turning into Swiss cheese by the second and not a lot of draft picks to fill the holes. Sketch.

[JiFtheOracle]

Breaking: Jets Cut Gholston, Jenkins, Taylor & Woody

By Bassett on Feb 28, 2011, 7:06 pm

Well, that didn’t take long, while we were waiting on the ink to dry on our blog post about probabilities, Manish Mehta announced that the Jets came through and pulled the trigger on the release of four Jets players to clear cap space for 2011.

BREAKING: #Jets will release Kris Jenkins, Vernon Gholston, Damien Woody and Jason Taylor, per sources. #nfl #nyj

about 1 hour ago via web

TheJetsStream

Manish Mehta

All told, the releases free up more than $10 million in “cap space” in 2011 for the Jets, and they cleared the millstone that was Vernon Gholston’s contract from around their neck. Beyond the $3.5 million bonus they just dodged from VG, see just how the Jets put this plan on Gholston into action last offseason when they restructured his contract last year, via Jason’s excellent article on the subject.

While Taylor, Jenkins, and Woody were as politic as they could have been about the situation in recent weeks, the handwriting was on the wall. While it isn’t easy to see guys like Woody and Jenkins go, the Jets are in dire need of re-signing some of their younger free agents, so those tempting cap numbers caused the team to make the moves they did. No surprise there. Still … maybe there’s hope to a return?

There’s a possibility #Jets may re-sign Jenkins, Gholston, Woody and/or Taylor to reduced salaries after they are cut, per sources #nfl #nyj

about 1 hour ago via web

TheJetsStream

Manish Mehta

Obviously, that’s a nice sentiment, but this is a two-way street. All of these players were in danger of losing playing time in 2011 anyway, so it will come down to the players and their desire to be Jets. If they can’t get more elsewhere, or if they really believe that this team is the best chance at a Super Bowl run in 2011, then maybe they’ll stay on at a minimum level deal. Jason Taylor was the one player I thought the team might cut later rather than sooner, since the team might be concerned from a depth perspective … clearly that’s just not the case. Maybe one or two of these guys would come back, but I think they’ll get better deals and/or more playing time elsewhere.

I think the Jets actually did them right in a way letting them go now. That way if its about the money, the can find the next destination. If not, we can resign.

Reality is, we arent missing any of them. Hunter played very well in Woody's absence. In fact, I though the oline had their best game with him as RT, 1st Steelers game comes to mind.

Jenkins was never healthy, Gholston never played, and Taylor needs to be replaced with a younger man as he's a shell of himself. We we really need to find a DT and a OLB in the draft...think we can do that with what I've seen in terms of value and depth at those positions in the draft.

[#27TheDominator]

The ESPN article mentioned clearing space for Santonio.

That's just speculation on their part and kind of dim if you ask me. They cut these guys because the year is ending and some are due bonuses. They don't want to pay. Santonio is the one they mention because everybody has speculated that is their priority. It's obvious from what Tannenbaum has said that it will not be Cromartie and Holmes seems to have the edge on Braylon.

Obviously, that’s a nice sentiment, but this is a two-way street. All of these players were in danger of losing playing time in 2011 anyway, so it will come down to the players and their desire to be Jets. If they can’t get more elsewhere, or if they really believe that this team is the best chance at a Super Bowl run in 2011, then maybe they’ll stay on at a minimum level deal. Jason Taylor was the one player I thought the team might cut later rather than sooner, since the team might be concerned from a depth perspective … clearly that’s just not the case. Maybe one or two of these guys would come back, but I think they’ll get better deals and/or more playing time elsewhere.

Seroiusly? This guy got paid for rehasing Metha's tweet and adding silly commentary? Where does he get this bullsh*t from? Woody and Jenkins are going to lose playing time? Why? They both play better than the guys behind them. Other than the fact that they are fat and break down there is no reason to expect them to get less time. Gholston couldn't possibly get more time. There is no way Woody should take a "minimum level" deal and I doubt Jenkins would eiter though he may be stuck with an incentive laden one. Why would they wait to pull the trigger on Taylor? The guy was on the street for a month and we were the only taker.

I hate this crap because we've been saying this was going to happen for weeks and now they want to jump up and down like there is some hidden meaning. The only meaning is money and I knew hese moves were coming by September.

[SoFlaJets]

I think the Jets actually did them right in a way letting them go now. That way if its about the money, the can find the next destination. If not, we can resign.

Reality is, we arent missing any of them. Hunter played very well in Woody's absence. In fact, I though the oline had their best game with him as RT, 1st Steelers game comes to mind.

Jenkins was never healthy, Gholston never played, and Taylor needs to be replaced with a younger man as he's a shell of himself. We we really need to find a DT and a OLB in the draft...think we can do that with what I've seen in terms of value and depth at those positions in the draft.

I think this tells us exactly what position we'll be drafting first but we all know that Belichick and the Pats will also be looking to draft a couple of pass rushers ahead of us. They say this is a deep draft for that position so hopefully we all don't get our hopes up on a certain guy only to see him in New England next season, you know like they did to us with Devin McCourty-who I know 'I' wanted.

[#27TheDominator]

Reading the title of the Tommie Harris thread reminded me of the Simpsons. Nine NBA all-stars and Danny Ainge!

Jets cut three former pro=bowlers and Vernon Gholston!

[JetsFanInDenver]

The title should read "Jets cut Woody and dead wood"

[JiFtheOracle]

I think this tells us exactly what position we'll be drafting first but we all know that Belichick and the Pats will also be looking to draft a couple of pass rushers ahead of us. They say this is a deep draft for that position so hopefully we all don't get our hopes up on a certain guy only to see him in New England next season, you know like they did to us with Devin McCourty-who I know 'I' wanted.

You and me both...and I wanted Pierre-Paul too, but oh well.

I think we have a chance at finding some DL and OLB help in this draft. Should be interesting. Tanny always is.

[PatriotReign37]

This roster is turning into Swiss cheese by the second and not a lot of draft picks to fill the holes. Sketch.

How so?

Jenkins was gone all season and Gholston may was well have been with him. Woody is nearing the end but dont the Jets have Ducasse or Hunter to replace him? Did Taylor really do a whole lot? Adalius Thomas could fill Taylors place anyway.

[RutgersJetFan]

Something must be wrong here, a professional athlete was cut and handled it like, a professional? His wife didn't complain over twitter? He didn't cry to reporters? Are we sure we've got the whole story here?

[T0mShane]

How so?

Jenkins was gone all season and Gholston may was well have been with him. Woody is nearing the end but dont the Jets have Ducasse or Hunter to replace him? Did Taylor really do a whole lot? Adalius Thomas could fill Taylors place anyway.

If we presume that Cronartie, Brad Smith, Eric Smith and possibly Shaun Ellis get the heave-ho, this adds up to a lot of bodies. And that's assuming the Jets sign both Edwards and Holmes. No matter how you cut it, the Jets are going to be adding a lot of FA's this off-season, again.

[RutgersJetFan]

Cronartie, Brad Smith, Eric Smith and possibly Shaun Ellis get the heave-ho, this adds up to a lot of bodies.

'Bodies' being the key word.

[visajets]

Creating space for the WR's or Cro?

All of the above.

[Falcon63]

From Woody's response, it sounds like he realizes his value isn't very high right now....resign him for less....his injuries will heal.....incentive-laden contract....also, same for Jenkins if he'd accept

[drago]

Nice quote from Woody. He was a great pick by Tanny. I still remember all the threads about him being washed up or not. Turns out he had a few good years in him and he did a great job as a part of our best unit.

Mr. Woody will be missed but I'm sure Callahan will have Turner, Vlad or someone else ready.

[Integrity28]

This is the only cut that bothers me.

[Smashmouth]

I think the Jets will bring back Woody and Jenkins at reduced salary. Jenkins surely is a crap shoot but if he happens to stay healthy he will still be a beast due to his strength. I think a small risk is worth it same with Woody who is a monster run blocker. Last years injury to Jenkins was not a question of Injury prone just sucks when your cleat gets stuck and you get pancaked by another 300 + pounder that would have snapped anyone ACL

[Falcon63]

I think the Jets will bring back Woody and Jenkins at reduced salary. Jenkins surely is a crap shoot but if he happens to stay healthy he will still be a beast due to his strength. I think a small risk is worth it same with Woody who is a monster run blocker. Last years injury to Jenkins was not a question of Injury prone just sucks when your cleat gets stuck and you get pancaked by another 300 + pounder that would have snapped anyone ACL

Exactly

[Maxman]

look at the sentence in the story that I put in BOLD who writes this stuff anyway?

Jets To Cut Gholston, Jenkins, Woody and Taylor

February 28, 2011 7:41 PM

NEW YOK (WFAN) – The Jets plan to release several high profile players, including veteran outside linebacker Jason Taylor, nose guard 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!”

There is a possibility the Jets could sign all four to reduced salaries after being released.

Gholston was given every opportunity to succeed with the Jets, but failed to live up to ther hype after he was taken No. 6 overall in the 2008 draft, recording just 15 tackles in three seasons.

Jenkins’ run with New York was marred by injury. The 31-year-old nose tackle, who had 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 he can come back healthy in training camp the Jets may consider trying to bring Jenkins 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 before an Achilles’ injury kept him out of the AFC championship game loss to Pittsburgh. It’s believed Wayne Hunter will step right in to fill the left tackle spot, protecting quarterback Mark Sanchez’s blind side.

Taylor, 36, joined the Jets last offseason, signing a two-year deal, but finished with just five sacks and 36 tackles. He has 132.5 sacks in what will likely end up as a Hall of Fame career.

Who wrote that article? Terrible.

[Maxman]

I think Woody and Jenkins will both be on this team next year.