New York Jets center Nick Mangold has been a franchise icon, but the organization may have to part ways with the seven-time Pro Bowler.
Over the years, there haven’t been many centers in football better than New York Jets pivot man Nick Mangold, who was a key part of the offense back in the team’s best days under Rex Ryan. Despite a near-playoff appearance last season, the best days are behind the 3-9 Jets and the same could be said for Mangold.
The center has been dealing with an ankle injury since Week 7. There was hope that Mangold would be able to return in Week 13 to face the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football and he did suit up to play. However, he suffered a setback in his first game back and the Jets were immediately worried that he would have to hit the injured reserve.
After visiting a specialist, it’s clear that Mangold won’t be back this year. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Mangold will be “shut down” and there are questions regarding his future with the organization.
#Jets are shutting down C Nick Mangold, source said. He has one more year left on his contract. His future with the team is up in the air
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2016
Since being the 29th overall pick out of Ohio State in the 2006 draft, Mangold has been exclusive to the Jets. He’s built what should amount to a Hall-of-Fame career in New York and it would be sad to see him leave the team.
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The Jets will need to part ways with a few old liabilities this season, and Darrelle Revis and Ryan Fitzpatrick stand out as two of these players. Mangold is 32, but he is still the Jets best offensive lineman. That said, he’ll count over $8 million against the cap next season and, while it will be the final year of his contract, Mangold just isn’t good enough to justify that kind of cap hit.
If Mangold leaves the Jets and decides to keep playing, I’m sure there will be a market for an above-average, starting center, even one coming off of a season-ending ankle injury.