Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Jets in Free Agency Limbo With Virtually Zero cap Space

Originally posted on JetNation.com | By Glenn Naughton | Last updated 5/4/24

The New York Jets may have bolstered their roster this offseason with the additions of players like Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, John Simpson, Javon Kinglaw, Olu Fashanu and plenty of others, but there’s still a slight problem. The Jets need help at safety.

With only Tony Adams, Chuck Clark and Ashtyn Davis having legitimate NFL experience, a new name added to the group would be a good idea. Atop the list of potential additions should be former Denver Bronco Justin Simmons. But there’s another problem. The Jets are cap strapped.

Even after parting ways with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers to create some breathing room, all that really did was give Joe Douglas the money he’ll need to sign his rookie class. Currently sitting at just over $9 million in space, the Jets will virtually wipe that out and be at around zero when all is said and done.

There are a few ways they could create some cap space however.

First and foremost they could re-work the deal of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. A move that, according to the folks at overthecap.com would free up around $10 million.

Then there are a pair of high performing veterans with one year left on their respective deals in cornerback DJ Reed and edge rusher Haason Reddick. The Jets could approach one or both about ripping up their current deals and coming to terms on a new contract with more years and money that will come with a much lower 2024 cap hit.

If the Jets are hoping to make any more moves in free agency, something along those lines will be necessary moving forward.

This article first appeared on JetNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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