One day after saying Kellen Clemens has a "strong chance" of making the New York Jets' roster, Rex Ryan all but handed the No. 3 quarterback job to Clemens Tuesday, releasing Kevin O'Connell.
The Jets acquired O'Connell last preseason from the Detroit Lions for a conditional draft pick, which became a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft. The Jets had a fairly high draft grade on O'Connell, a third-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2008, but they were disappointed that he never developed as hoped. Scouts say the 6-foot-5, 225-pound O'Connell has the physical tools for the position, but lacks the necessary intangibles.
Clemens appeared to be on shaky ground as far back as the spring, when the Jets put him on the trading block. When they signed Brunell before the start of camp, it looked like Clemens was a goner.
In last week's episode of "Hard Knocks," in a scene that reveals the Jets' depth chart, Clemens' name appears with an "X" next to it -- seemingly an indication he was in jeopardy of being released.
Barring the unexpected, Clemens isn't going anywhere, although his $1.1 million salary -- high for a No. 3 quarterback -- could become an issue. The Jets have renegotiated his contract to fit that of a third string quarterback.
The Jets still have Erik Ainge, but he was placed on the non-football injury list at the start of camp. At the time, Ainge was undergoing drug counseling.
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