The Jets face a salary-cap mess in 2013. They’ve commenced the process of cleaning up the mess by cutting ties with several players.
The team has announced that linebacker Calvin Pace, safety Eric Smith, and tackle Jason Smith have been cut. Also, tight end Josh Baker (who is not a vested veteran) has been waived.
Pace arrived as a free agent in 2008. Jason Smith was the second overall pick in the 2009 draft, and the Rams traded him to the Jets for former starting right tackle Wayne Hunter. Eric Smith was a third-round pick in 2006.
The fact that linebacker Bart Scott isn’t on the list suggests that the Jets are trying to work out a reduced contract in lieu of putting him on the open market — and possibly thrusting him into the arms of former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who is now the defensive coordinator in Buffalo.
Pace and the Smiths become instant free agents. Baker will be subject to the waiver process.
Per Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, the moves clear $24.2 million in cap space.