The New York Jets will release nine-time Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, a source tells ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini.
FanecaCimini previously reported the Jets had been trying to trade Faneca in an attempt to unload his contract, which will pay him a base salary of $7.5 million this year.
Faneca couldn't have liked what he learned Friday night, when the Jets selected UMass guard Vladimir Ducasse in the second round of the draft, one of the highest-rated run-blocking guards in this year's class. Ducasse becomes the favorite to start in Faneca's old spot on opening night.
That the Jets would tinker with their elite offensive line is significant, when they're gearing up for a run at the Super Bowl.
Faneca, 33, was selected for the Pro Bowl both seasons he played for the Jets. He went eight straight times as a Pittsburgh Steeler. He was voted All-Pro six times.
But Faneca is starting to show his age. Football Outsiders managing editor Bill Barnwell recently produced a study on missed pass-blocking assignments. Faneca was the league's most frequently beaten left guard. He gave up seven sacks and three quarterback hurries.