Florham Park, NJ (Sports Network) - The New York Jets began clearing salary cap space on Tuesday, releasing linebacker Calvin Pace, safety Eric Smith and offensive tackle Jason Smith.

Pace spent the past five seasons with the Jets after signing as a free agent from Arizona, and last season posted 55 tackles with three sacks in 16 games. He had 28 sacks during his time with New York.

The 32-year-old Wake Forest product played his first five seasons with the Cardinals. He has 495 tackles and 42 sacks with 17 forced fumbles and three interceptions during his career.

Eric Smith appeared in 96 games and started 36 over seven seasons with the Jets. He has six career interceptions, including one in 12 games last year.

Jason Smith played 16 games in a reserve role with the Jets last year after spending his first three seasons with St. Louis. He was selected by the Rams with the second overall pick of the 2009 draft and started 26 games with St. Louis.

The Jets also waived tight end Josh Baker.

The Sports Network