Elaine Thompson / AP

Brett Favre's decision to retire came six weeks after his only season with the Jets ended in disappointment as New York went 1-4 down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs.

The Jets could look to sign a veteran free agent such as Jeff Garcia, Kerry Collins, Byron Leftwich or Rex Grossman, or target a quarterback with their first pick — No. 17 overall — in the draft in April.

Clemens was competing with Chad Pennington for the starting job last summer before Favre came to town.

“Jets fans, the Jets coaches and my teammates, even, have not seen the best of what I have to offer yet,” said Clemens, who started eight games in 2007.

Favre had two years left on his contract and was due $13 million for next season, clearing a chunk of salary cap space for the Jets.

The three-time NFL MVP holds the mark among quarterbacks with 291 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, despite playing through several injuries throughout his career.

“The longevity of his career and his love for the game is truly inspiring,” All-Pro kick returner-running back Leon Washington told The Associated Press. “I’m privileged to have played with not only a Hall of Fame QB, but also a great role model.”

After the Jets’ season-ending 24-17 loss to Miami, Favre said he felt discomfort in his arm “for quite a while.” It turned out to be a torn biceps tendon, and he opted not to have surgery.

Favre said he began to realize the end might be near when he consistently underthrew his receivers at Seattle in Week 16.

“I threw it, and it didn’t end up where I wanted it to,” he said. “That, to me, was an eye-opener.”

It wasn’t all bad with the Jets for Favre. He threw a career-high six touchdown passes, tying Joe Namath’s team record, in a 56-35 victory over Arizona in Week 4. Favre also helped rejuvenate the franchise, drawing thousands of fans to training camp practices.

He finished with 3,472 yards passing and 22 touchdowns, but the 22 interceptions were his most in three seasons.

Drafted by Atlanta in the second round of the 1991 draft, Favre was traded after the season to Green Bay for a first-round pick. During his 16 seasons with Green Bay, he helped lead the Packers to consecutive Super Bowls, including a victory over New England in 1997.

“Congratulations to Brett on a remarkable career,” the Packers said in a statement. “The Packers organization wishes him and his family well. Brett always will hold a special place in Green Bay Packers history, and we remain committed to retiring his number at an appropriate time in the future.”

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