NEW YORK (Feb. 21, 2007) -- Kevan Barlow 's tenure as the successor to Curtis Martin lasted a season.
The New York Jets released the veteran running back after the least-productive season of Barlow's career. He ran for a career-low 370 yards -- third on the team -- and averaged just 2.8 yards per carry.
Barlow was acquired from San Francisco last August to jump-start a running game that was without an injured Martin. Instead, rookie Leon Washington emerged as a prime playmaker and second-year back Cedric Houston got lots of playing time late in the season.
Barlow started just three of the 12 games he played in for the Jets, although he led the team with six rushing touchdowns.
The Jets had no comment on Barlow's release, and Doug Hendrickson, the running back's agent, was not available for comment.
Also, the Jets released offensive lineman Trey Teague, re-signed cornerback Hank Poteat, and signed safety Raymond Ventrone to a reserve-future contract.
With Martin all but retired and despite still having three running backs on the roster -- Washington, Houston and Derrick Blaylock -- the Jets may still look to acquire a feature back. New York is thought to be interested in Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego.
Washington had a team-leading 650 yards rushing and had four TDs, while Houston rushed for 374 yards and five scores. Blaylock had just 44 yards on 25 carries and was inactive most of the season.
Teague was signed by the Jets last April after he spent his first eight seasons with Denver and Buffalo. He was expected to add depth and experience to a line that included two rookies in left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold, but never played a game for New York. Teague broke his left ankle during training camp and again in November.
Poteat, signed before Week 6 last season, started a career-high six games for the Jets and set a personal best with 32 tackles. He previously played for Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and New England.
Ventrone had 41 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries for Cologne of NFL Europa last season. He spent last NFL season on New England's physically-unable-to-play list and the 2005 season on the Patriots' practice squad.
