Nick Mangold Released by New York Jets

Following an 11-year run with the New York Jets, center Nick Mangold was released by Gang Green.     

The 33-year-old announced Saturday the two sides will soon be parting ways: 

Jets owner Woody Johnson spoke about the decision in the team's announcement:

For the past 11 years, [Mangold] has been a cornerstone of our team both on and off the field. As our Pro Bowl center, Nick consistently demonstrated superior skill and unmatched toughness. Equally important, off the field, Nick exhibited respect, sensitivity and compassion for the causes he supported. It has been a privilege to have known Nick these many years and, for all of us, I say Nick will always be a Jet.

Mangold has remained one of the league's sturdier centers when healthy, but he missed extended action last season because of an ankle injury. 

And with the Jets in the midst of a rebuild, it made sense to shed Mangold's $9.075 million cap hit for 2017—the final year on his deal—before the start of free agency March 9. 

Wesley Johnson, who started eight games in place of Mangold last season, projects as the Jets' new starting center, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

As for Mangold, Rapoport noted the seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro is not expected to retire.

Instead, he'll look for another job after flashing remarkable consistency over the past few seasons, as Pro Football Focus' Nathan Jahnke pointed out: 

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network also reported Mangold intends to continue his career and is expected to draw interest from contenders.

Mangold may not command a lucrative multiyear offer since he's coming off an injury that cost him half of the 2016 season, but his status as a longtime stud in the middle of protection packages should earn him looks from teams in need of upgrades at center.

In other words, don't expect Mangold to be out of work for long. 

Contract information retrieved from Spotrac.com.