FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have waived backup defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua, who became expendable after the team drafted Quinton Coples last week.
Jets coach Rex Ryan often said he liked the size and speed of the 6-foot-8 Pitoitua, who had 19 tackles and a sack last season after returning from a torn Achilles tendon in the 2010 preseason.
Pitoitua signed a one-year extension through 2012 last September, but the Jets have lots of depth on the defensive line — especially after drafting Coples out of North Carolina in the first round. Coples is expected to have a major role in Ryan’s defense.
The Jets also officially announced the signing Wednesday of kicker Josh Brown, who will compete with incumbent Nick Folk for the job, and long snapper Derek Chard.
