FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The golden anchor of the New York Jets is gone.
Nick Mangold, their starting center since he was drafted in 2006, was released in February, a casualty of the team’s youth movement and cost-cutting plan to rebuild.
Mangold had quickly become a fan favorite with his Ohio-tough play, offensive-line leadership and NHL-style playoff beard. That’s a lot to replace.
Wesley Johnson, a waiver pickup in 2014, will try to fill the manhole-size void at center when the Jets open the 2017 season Sunday at the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills.