Alan Faneca Officially Released By The Jets

What started as a rumored report early Saturday morning quickly became official during Round 5 of the 2010 NFL Draft: the Jets formally released Alan Faneca.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the move was made with contract money in mind, saying that New York will have to eat $5.25 million of Faneca's guaranteed money, keeping in mind that eventually the team will have to sign Antonio Cromartie and Braylong Edwards or Santonio Holmes to contract extensions.

The Jets had signed Faneca to a five-year, $40 million contract, with $21 million in guarantees, in 2008, making him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. 

Our Jets blog, Gang Green Nation, didn't like the move this morning, and they don't think it makes any more sense this afternoon.

It's still somewhat puzzling. They probably won't be able to afford both Holmes and Edwards, and they aren't saving that much after factoring in the guaranteed money. I do have faith in Callahan to develop a young guy, though.