New York Jets: Nick Mangold being shut down spells the end of an era
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets may have lost more than just the season. With Nick Mangold being placed on IR, it’s the clear end of an era in Gotham.

As reported by NFL.com Insider Ian Rapoport, the New York Jets have made the decision to shut down the longest-tenured player on the team in center Nick Mangold. Mangold has officially been placed on the team’s Injured Reserve, only managing to take part in eight games all season.

The burly, bearded veteran was a main cog in a Jets’ 2006 NFL Draft class that began to reshape the team for the better. Mangold is also a seven-time Pro Bowler and has consistently been in the conversation as the best Center of this era.

But Rapoport has also indicated that his standing with the team is very much in question.

Last offseason, Jets fans saw mainstay left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson hang up his cleats, and it’s very possible that his longtime teammate in Mangold will follow him off into the sunset.

While a new era in Jets football is about to take place, the 2017 offseason may become remembered as the biggest purge in team history. Guys like Mangold and cornerback Darrelle Revis will likely be expunged, along with more recent names like right tackle Breno Giacomini and safety Marcus Gilchrist.

A cruel, but necessary part of the NFL business, these are what are known as “cap casualties.” The Jets need to clear up cap space to make moves like bringing back guard Brian Winters, adding some quality free agents, and being able to afford to sign their upcoming draft class.

The Jets are no doubt going to get younger at a lot of key positions on both offense and defense this offseason. As much as 80 percent of the offensive line could possibly be changed by next season alone.

With a top-five draft pick inevitably headed the Jets way, perhaps general manager Mike Maccagnan can get things headed back in the right direction.

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People call me Boy Green for my unwavering dedication to all things New York Jets. I work at The Score 1260 in Syracuse and I'm extremely passionate about sports. I aspire to continue my rise through the business and hopefully I'll end up working for the New York Jets in some capacity.