New York Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson is retiring at the age of 32 after 10 seasons in the NFL, according to reports Friday.
Ferguson, the fourth overall pick in the 2006 draft, played every game in 10 seasons — 167 consecutive starts, including the playoffs.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Ferguson, a Pro Bowl selection from 2009 to 2011, missed only one offensive snap in 10 years and that was a trick play when the entire offensive line was removed, according to ESPN.com.
Ferguson has decided to retire because he no longer feels he can play up to his standard after his performance slipped last season, a source told ESPN.
The news comes two days after the Jets asked Ferguson to take a pay cut from his $8.6 million salary in an effort to free up salary-cap space.
Ferguson has a $14.1 million cap charge for 2016, and his retirement frees up $9 million in cap room. Two years remain on Ferguson’s eight-year, $73.6 million contract.
The Jets have less than $1 million in cap room and still hope to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.