Jets Release Another Ex-Pro Bowler After Dalvin Cook Move
It has been a disastrous season for the New York Jets. The team has been littered with injuries and many of their free-agent acquisitions didn't pan out. With the season already in the rear-view mirror the Jets released a few veterans on the roster.
On Tuesday, it started when New York released four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Just a few hours after, the Jets parted ways with Rodger Saffold from their practice squad.
The Jets have released veteran OL Rodger Saffold from their practice squad.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 2, 2024
Despite signing with the team on Oct. 31, the 35-year-old never got elevated to the active roster. New York decided to pick up Saffold instead of making a move at the trade deadline. The addition just never materialized.
Heading into Week 18, the Jets have used an NFL-high 12 different starting offensive line combinations. In total, New York has started six different players at right guard. Duane Brown (back), Connor McGovern (kneecap), Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles), and Wes Schweitzer (calf) have all been placed on injured reserve.
Prior to signing with New York, Saffold was a very reliable player up front. He recorded at least 15 starts in seven straight years, including 16 for the Buffalo Bills in 2022. The Jets may have targeted Saffold due to his familiarity with offensive line coach Keith Carter from their time in Tennessee.
Saffold earned nods to both the 2021 and 2022 Pro Bowls. The Indiana product was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Despite his accolades, Saffold's time in New York never worked out and it was time both sides split.