Report: Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson retiring after 10 seasons – CBSSports.com
A day after Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson was reportedly taking a pay cut so the team could re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, ESPN.com‘s Rich Cimini reports that Ferguson is retiring from the NFL after 10 seasons.
It’s a surprising move for any number of reasons, including the most important one: NFL left tackles don’t grow on trees and at 32, Ferguson, who had never missed a start in his decade-long career, was still playing at a high level.
Ferguson played 10,351 of a possible 10,352 snaps since the #Jets picked him 4th overall in 2006. Amazing
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) April 8, 2016
If you’re looking for a silver lining, ignore the fact that whoever is under center for the Jets in 2016 is suddenly without a proven blindside protector and focus on the suddenly available cap room; Ferguson had a $14.1 million cap hit this season — the largest of any left tackle in the league — and it now allows the Jets to focus on other needs. Presumably, that conversation starts with Fitzpatrick, though left tackle is now on the to-do list.
(Something else to keep an eye one: If the Broncos land Colin Kaepernick, left tackle Ryan Clady would likely be out in Denver; he’s struggled with injuries, but when healthy, Clady is an elite talent.)
While it’s unclear why Ferguson is retiring, it’s worth noting that he wrote this for SI.com last December after seeing the Concussion movie.
“Though I am familiar with examples of offensive lineman who have experienced concussions, it was still my contention that the offensive line was one of the safer positions when it came to being susceptible to head injuries. As I’ve come to find out, it isn’t just the large collisions that can be problematic, but rather the smaller collisions that don’t even amount to concussions but happen far more frequently, that are the real catalysts leading to CTE. [Former Steelers center] Mike Webster was believed to have participated in about 25,000 violent collisions.
“After learning all of this, I feel a bit betrayed by the people or committees put in place by the league who did not have my best interests at heart.”
D’Brickashaw Ferguson didn’t miss a start in 10 NFL seasons. (USATSI)
In recent weeks, two players announced they were retiring early from the NFL because of concussions, and another thinks it could become a trend.
In the meantime, adjust your mock drafts accordingly. Even before the Ferguson development, CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco and Will Brinson had the Jets taking Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin with the No. 20 pick.
