The Newark Star-Ledger reports that kicker Mike Nugent will test the free-agent market after turning down the Jets’ latest contract offer.

“The Jets have been really cool about the situation and gave me time to decide whether to stay,” Nugent told The Star-Ledger in response to an e-mail Tuesday. “They approached us last week to re-sign, and also called again this week, and gave us a chance to talk about making a decision.

“I have so much respect for the organization and my teammates, but I feel it might be time for me to move on. (General manager) Mike (Tannenbaum), (director of football operations) Ari (Nissim) and the coaches have been incredibly understanding of my decision process and I am really grateful to them.”