Associated Press
NEW YORK ó Chad Pennington quickly became the odd man out once Brett Favre joined the New York Jets.
Pennington was released Thursday, ending the quarterback’s eight-year, injury-plagued career with the Jets. He was expected to find a new home soon: Minnesota and Miami were mentioned as possible destinations.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for us,” general manager Mike Tannenbaum said early Thursday when announcing the trade for Favre.
“I have all the respect in the world for Chad as a person and a player,” he said. “He gave his heart and soul to this organization for a long, long time. I really appreciate everything he has done.”
A first-round pick in 2000, Pennington became the popular face of the franchise for several seasons and arrived in camp competing with Kellen Clemens for the starting job.
The Jets jettisoned Pennington to clear salary cap space once they got Favre from Green Bay for a conditional draft pick.
The 32-year-old Pennington had three years, plus a team option year, remaining on his contract. He was due $4.8 million this season and his salary cap figure is $7.8 million.
Pennington ranks first in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts with a 65.6 completion percentage. He was often recognized as being a true leader in the huddle and an intelligent field general, but was dogged throughout his time in New York for his lack of arm strength.