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New York Jets: Release of Nick Mangold Signals Rebuild Coming

By Nolan Rich

Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) is introduced before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) is introduced before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets made the tough decision to release center Nick Mangold. Was this the right move?

A staple of the New York Jets offensive line was released as the team parted ways with center Nick Mangold. The team is fully rebuilding its offensive line after releasing tackles Breno Giacomini and Ryan Clady earlier this off-season.

Mangold was a first round selection for the Jets in 2006 and went on to start in 164 games while earning Pro Bowl honors in seven of his 11 seasons. Mangold wasn’t just one of the best centers in Jets history, but a case could be made that he was the best center over the past decade.

Mangold was without question a fan favorite and had this to say about his release on twitter.

By cutting the two-time All-Pro, the team saved just over $9 Million in cap space and will likely fill the position with 27-year-old Wesley Johnson. 2017 was an injury plagued season for the Mangold, as Johnson filled in for 8 starts.

With the Jets only set at both guard positions for the time being, it will be interesting to see if the coaching staff truly believes Johnson can be the starting center in the long-run. However, he could be a stop gap option while the team develops another center or most likely being that he fills a hole as a starter.

Since 1998, the New York Jets have had two starting centers in Kevin Mawae and Mangold. Imagine if they could draft quarterbacks like they could draft centers. Now with the Mangold cut the Jets have $26.6 Million in cap space, but more cuts are expected. It’s not if the Jets will make cuts, but which veterans.

Next: 5 Reasons to Keep Sheldon Richardson

Considering the Jets are in the middle of an overhaul, they’ll take a starting player where they can get one. team has to make a choice on veterans over the age of thirty like Darrelle Revis, David Harris, and Brandon Marshall. Not to mention they could move on from Sheldon Richardson if the team can find a viable trade partner.

One thing is clear in New York, the rebuild has begun.

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