AP source: Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson to retire

NEW YORK (AP) -- D'Brickashaw Ferguson is walking away from football after 10 years of protecting New York Jets quarterbacks.

The remarkably durable and consistent left tackle who never missed a snap due to injury has decided to retire, according to a person familiar with the decision.

Ferguson was the No. 4 overall pick out of Virginia in the 2006 NFL draft and was selected to three Pro Bowls while establishing himself as one of the league's best at his position.Wholesale New Orleans Saints Jerseys Outlet But he has chosen to walk away, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because neither the Jets nor Ferguson announced the move.

ESPN first reported Ferguson's decision to retire.

The news comes as a stunner because it was believed the 32-year-old Ferguson had a few more solid seasons left. But his play slipped a bit last season and there were no guarantees he would be on the Jets' roster this season because of his lofty salary.

Ferguson was scheduled to count $14.1 million against the team's salary cap this season, and had been approached about potentially taking a pay cut to help give the Jets relief. If he didn't agree to a cut, there was a possibility he would have been released.

Instead,NFL Jerseys New Orleans Saints Online Ferguson's retirement will create nearly $9.1 million in salary cap space, which will help the Jets in their negotiations to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. They had only about $500,000 in cap space, lowest among all NFL teams.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The NFL has suspended Green Bay Packers cornerback Demetri Goodson for the first four games of the season without pay for violating the league's policy on performing enhancing substances.

The suspension was announced Friday. The Packers said they would not comment, citing the confidentiality of the disciplinary process.

A sixth-round draft pick 2014, Goodson had five tackles in 14 games last season. He played mostly on special teams.

Goodson is the second member of the defense to be disciplined by the NFL this offseason. Lineman Mike Pennel was suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Also Friday, the Packers released third-year linebacker Nate Palmer. He started 10 games last season before being replaced on the inside by Jake Ryan.

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