Jets free up cap room, release veteran DB Barrett

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets released defensive back David Barrett on Tuesday after five seasons with the team.

He was the first player cut by new coach Rex Ryan, hired last month to replace the fired Eric Mangini. Barrett was entering the final year of his contract and saves the Jets just over $5 million on the salary cap.

Barrett started 37 games, mostly at cornerback, in 69 appearances with the Jets. He played in only 11 games last season as a backup and his biggest highlight came when he returned an interception for a touchdown in a loss at San Diego in Week 3.

Barrett signed with the Jets as an unrestricted free agent in 2004 after four seasons with Arizona, which drafted him in the fourth round in 2000.

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