Guard available V3.0

Jets release G-T Brent Smith

NEW YORK - The New York Jets on Friday released guard-tackle Brent Smith, who started all 16 games for the team in 2003.

Smith, 30, was part of an offensive line that helped running back Curtis Martin rush for 1,308 yards last season. The Jets signed guard Pete Kendall during training camp, however, forcing Smith to battle for a job.

Originally a third-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 1997, the 6-5, 300-pound Smith was signed by the Jets as a non-restricted free agent in May 2003. He has played in 56 career NFL games, including 29 starts.

 

I think if we could afford him he would be a nice addition as long as he doesn't cost alot. I think him or sciullo would be nice to add. :huh:

 

Sciullo is with the Eagles.

 

Hawks release Wunsch to make room for youth

MIKE SANDO; The News Tribune

NEW ORLEANS - Jerry Wunsch knew he was taking a gamble. But the chance to play for a winner kept leading the veteran NFL offensive lineman back to Seattle.

The gamble paid off for a while. But the numbers game finally caught up to Wunsch, who was released Saturday as the Seahawks prepared to open the season.

The Seahawks needed to clear a roster spot for the return of third-year offensive lineman Wayne Hunter from a one-game NFL suspension. Hunter does not return until Monday, but by then the Seahawks would have been on the hook for Wunsch's salary.

Releasing him before the first regular-season game, which kicks off this morning in New Orleans, saved the team $700,000 in salary-cap space. The timing also saved Wunsch from traveling with the team to New Orleans on Saturday, only to find himself out of work.

"Do you want to have the chance to win and be a winner, or do you want to go somewhere and just be?" Wunsch said last month in explaining why he signed with Seattle in 2003. "I saw where this team was going and, yeah, you're taking a chance, but why not?"

The Seahawks finished with a 10-6 record last season. They expect to be better in 2004.

Wunsch, 30, was valuable because he could play left guard or right tackle. The team also appreciated his work ethic and professionalism.

An ankle injury had recently sidelined the seven-year NFL veteran. But in the end, Wunsch lost out to the team's desire to develop several young linemen.

Keeping Wunsch might have meant giving up on Hunter or backup center Dennis Norman. Wunsch knew what he was up against.

"If you're scared of competition, if you're scared of not being on a team, then the chances are you're not going to be on the right team that's going to go far," he said at training camp. "What are you in this for? Are you in this to win or just to play football?

"We're on the right track here. There's no doubt about it."

Wunsch, who spent his first five NFL seasons with Tampa Bay, could conceivably be re-signed later in the season if circumstances change.