In an expected yet dramatic move, the New York Jets are releasing Nick Mangold, their longest-tenured player and one of the top centers in franchise history.
Mangold made the announcement Saturday on his Twitter account, culminating months of speculation. In rebuilding mode after a 5-11 season, the Jets are dumping older, high-salaried players.
Mangold, 33, a first-round pick in 2006, started 164 out of 176 games over an 11-year span. In his prime, he was regarded as one of the best -- seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections -- but age, salary and injuries factored into the team's decision to part ways.