The roster purge continues at 1 Jets Drive.
The organization on Thursday announced the release of right tackle Breno Giacomini and kicker Nick Folk. The Jets created $7.5 million in salary cap space with these moves.
"It's a sad day, but that's the business side of things," Folk told the Jets' website after he finished cleaning out his locker. "I had a great seven years here. I think the only thing that would've topped it off would've been a couple of Super Bowl wins."
Folk, 32, ranks No. 2 on the franchise's all-time points list with 729 and is second in field goals (175) to Pat Leahy (304).
"This was our second home," added Folk, who played for the Dallas Cowboys (2007-09) before signing with the Jets in 2010. "It's been a lot of fun and my wife and I have enjoyed every minute of it."
Nicknamed "Folk Hero" for his penchant for being clutch in big spots, the kicker set several personal bests with the Jets and provided plenty of dramatic moments for the franchise. His longest career field goal _ 56 yards _ came on the road against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 10, 2010, and is still the longest in team history. But perhaps his biggest moment was his 32-yarder as time expired against Indianapolis to clinch a 17-16 wild-card playoff win on Jan. 8, 2010.
In 2016, Folk was 27 of 31 on field-goal attempts, but his NFL-record 312 extra-point streak was snapped in Week 1 against Cincinnati. It was the first missed PAT of his career. He also had a field goal blocked by the Bengals in the first quarter of their 23-22 loss.
By parting ways with Folk, who counted $3.6 million against the cap, the Jets were able to save $3 million.
The decision to cut Giacomini came as little surprise, given his age, cost and durability. The 31-year-old, who began the 2016 season on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, played in five games after re-injuring his back and was later placed on injured reserve. Giacomini told reporters in January that he planned to undergo surgery to shave down a herniated disk in his lower back, a procedure that requires four months of recovery.
He had hoped to return to the Jets this season, but the front office had other plans. Giacomini carried a $5.1 million cap hit, but by releasing him, the team will save $4.5 million.
Last week, the Jets declined to pick up left tackle Ryan Clady's option, creating $10 million in cap space.
