The New York Jets have released a slew of veterans, headlined by middle linebacker Bart Scott, one of the key additions to the team when Rex Ryan was hired as head coach.
Scott starred in Baltimore with Ryan, his best year coming in 2006 when he amassed 9.5 sacks, and 78 tackles as well as 25 assisted tackles. He was all over the field in the passing game as well, totaling nine pass defenses and two interceptions. Scott followed Ryan to the Jets in 2009, signing a six-year $48 million deal with the Jets. During his time in New York Scott was mostly productive but became increasingly more known for his mouth than his tackling or on-field impact. After defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs in New England, Scott unleashed a rant about people who did not believe in the Jets, which ended with Scott famously shouting "Can't wait!"
In 2012, the wheels fell off for Scott, as he had his worst season in the NFL while making enemies in the media for trying to lead media boycotts.
Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, who joined the Jets in 2008 was also released after a run with the Jets marked by mostly solid but rarely spectacular play. He recorded 28 sacks in five season with the Jets, 15 of which came in his first two seasons.
The Jets also released longtime safety Eric Smith, a Jet since 2006. The run-stopping safety recorded 60 tackles in 2011 but had very little impact in a reserve role last year behind LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell, with only 12 tackles and one interception in 12 games. Offensive tackle Jason Smith, acquired from the Rams in exchange for much-maligned right tackle Wayne Hunter was also released.
It originally appeared that Pace and Eric Smith and Jason Smith would be cut with Scott expected to take a pay cut, but cutting Scott puts the Jets at $7.15 million under the salary cap.
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