Updated

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the New York Jets will release longtime nose tackle Sione Po'uha in a cost-cutting move.

Po'uha was due to make $4.9 million in base salary this season, which would have become guaranteed if he remained on the roster Thursday. The move Tuesday, a few hours before the start of free agency, will save the Jets about $3.8 million on the salary cap.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not yet announce the move.

The 34-year-old Po'uha missed four games last season while dealing with back troubles after signing a three-year, $15 million contract last offseason. He was New York's third-round pick in 2005 and one of the team's longest-tenured players.