Jets cut Bart Scott, Calvin Pace to begin salary dump
Bart Scott has played in 119 straight games, but that streak could come to an end Sunday as he's dealing with a toe injury. Credit: Getty Images, 2011
An hour after announcing three veteran cuts Tuesday, the Jets have now released Bart Scott -- who was set to earn $6.9 million in base salary next season.
The move was not at all surprising, considering how much money the outside linebacker was owed. But after the team announced it had cut Calvin Pace, Eric Smith, Jason Smith and waived Josh Baker, it appeared Scott was safe -- at least for a few days.
Multiple outlets had reported the Jets and Scott's agent, Harold Lewis, were planning to meet later this week in Indy to discuss a potentially salary-cap friendly-contract.
But, of course, that meeting is no longer necessary.
The Jets have now cleared about $31 million in cap space.
“Every one of these players was a major contributor to our football team,” coach Rex Ryan said in a statement. “I was very impressed with Jason this past season while Bart, Calvin and Eric have been an instrumental part of our defense for the past four years. Josh came in as an undrafted free agent and earned a spot on our roster.
"They have the work ethic and attitude that you look for in players and they will always be New York Jets. It was an honor to coach each of these men. They are tremendous people as well as outstanding football players.”
