The Jets officially announced today the release of backup quarterback Mark Brunell. The three-time Pro-Bowler played in two games for the Jets in his only season in New York last year, throwing for 117 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets also waived cornerback Will Billingsley and guard Marlon Davis.
Brunell was a smart signing by the Jets heading into last season, and certainly wasn't brought in for his physical abilities. He was solely brought to the team as a mentor for young Mark Sanchez. And while we'll probably never know the extent of which Brunell helped Sanchez in his second professional season, Sanchez raved about the veteran, and they seemed to get along very well (we all remember Boogergate, prior to the AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh).
With Kellen Clemens agreeing to terms with the Washington Redskins, the Jets' quarterback situation behind Sanchez rests with Kevin O'Connell, who spent training camp with the Jets last season, and rookie Greg McElroy, who the Jets took in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. It remains to be seen if the Jets will try to bring in another veteran to shore up the position, or if they're content with O'Connell and McElroy battling it out for the No. 2 job.