The Jets cleared some space on a crowded defensive line yesterday by waiving Ropati Pitoitua.

The 6-foot-8 Pitoitua became expendable after the Jets drafted defensive end Quinton Coples with their first-round pick in last week’s NFL Draft.

Pitoitua played in 14 games last season for the Jets after recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in the 2010 preseason. He had 19 tackles and one sack.

The team also officially announced the signing of kicker Josh Brown and long snapper Derek Chard.