Alan Faneca gets the heave-ho

Not a big surprise after all the pre-draft speculation, but the Jets have officially said goodbye to veteran left guard Alan Faneca, who has made it to nine straight Pro Bowls.

Faneca (pictured) was a major factor in the Jets' improved running game last season, but a combination of factors forced his ouster. 1. He's 33. 2. He was scheduled to make $7.5 million this season. 3. His pass blocking had slipped markedly last season.

The Jets' drafting of third-round guard/tackle Vladimir Ducasse of the University of Massachussetts essentailly sealed the deal, although it's likely the Jets would have released Faneca had they not gotten Ducasse.

**Update**: Faneca has landed with the Arizona Cardinals.