The Jets will finally make official what everyone already knew: Vernon Gholston is a bust.
The team is mercifully parting ways with the disappointing sixth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Jets will release Gholston in an offseason purge that will include the releases of outside linebacker Jason Taylor, right tackle Damien Woody and nose tackle Kris Jenkins.
These four moves will save the Jets between $20 million and $24 million on their salary cap, money they will need with receivers Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, special teams ace Brad Smith and cornerback Antonio Cromartie all set to become free agents pending the lockout looming Friday.
One or more of the released players could eventually be signed back, for reduced salaries, although it certainly appears as if 24-year old Gholston (zero career sacks) has worn a Jets uniform for the last time.
Taylor, 36, completed his 14th NFL season (first with the Jets) and likely is headed to retirement.
Woody, 33, started 45 games the past three seasons but injuries to his knee and Achilles late in the year put him on injured reserve. An NFL source said ”It’s being discussed’’ when asked about a possible return for Woody for a lesser contract whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is agreed upon.
If Woody is out of the picture, the Jets might be inclined to see if they can turn the starting right tackle job over to Vladimir Ducasse, last year’s second-round draft pick.
Woody on Twitter wrote “Just informed about my release. I want to thank the Jets and all the fans out there. It was a great ride!’’
Asked if he would consider re-signing with the Jets for less money, Woody wrote, “It could happen.”
Jenkins, 31, was the anchor in the middle of the three-man defensive line but he has encountered severe and repeated injury issues. He missed 25 games the past two seasons with a pair of torn ACLs. He went down in the season-opener this past season.
Jenkins is undergoing yet another extensive rehab, is on record as saying he does not want to retire, and is a favorite of Rex Ryan.