Five Potential New York Jets Salary Cap Cuts

New York Jets, Avery Williamson
Dec 23, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets strong safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates with inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

With free agency underway, the New York Jets may bid farewell to some long-tenured members of the roster to gain some spring spending money.

Free agency is underway in the National Football League. The New York Jets are looking to restock as they look to end a playoff drought that has gone one for far too long.

In ending that dry spell, they’ll also have to bid farewell to some of the longest-tenured names in the lineup. Some will be losses through free agency, others will addition through subtraction, with the benefits coming in the form of added salary cap space. The Jets’ current space is valued at $44.6 million, but these releases of these players would add to their tally…

G Brian Winters

Savings: $7.2 million

Winters is one of the longer-tenured Jets on the roster, but has been fairly inconsistent during his time on the line. There’s a more affordable, younger option set to hit free agency in the form of Alex Lewis set to hit free agency, and the Jets would probably be better off sending off their funds there, especially if they gain the Winters money back.

LB Avery Williamson

Savings: $6.5 million

Williamson missed the entire 2019 season after a preseason injury. In his place, journeyman James Burgess rose to the occasion, and the Jets also enjoyed a boost from fifth-round rookie Blake Cashman. The Jets may feel it’s better to take their chances on the more affordable Burgess or Neville Hewitt on the inside.

CB Darryl Roberts

Savings: $6 million

The Jets are in desperate need of secondary depth (especially if they’re unable to retain Brian Poole), and Roberts has made a bit of a name for himself on special teams as well. His cap savings, on the other hand, might be simply too good to pass up. Roberts’ age, set to turn 30 in November, also doesn’t work in his favor.

DL Steve McLendon

Savings: $2.5 million

McLendon would be worth a release, but his role in the starting lineup, general consistency, and potential as a mentor for Quinnen Williams are all factors that likely ensure his return.

WR Quincy Enunwa

Savings: $2.4 million

It seems harsh to doom Enunwa to the fate of being a cap casualty, having earned himself a four-year, $36 million extension after last season. He has had trouble staying healthy, having played only a single full-season. In fact, he was only lasted a single quarter last season, leaving the Week 1 game against Buffalo. His potential and chemistry with Sam Darnold may be enough to keep him aboard.

WR Josh Bellamy

Savings: $2.25 million

Bellamy never found a role in the Jets’ receiving corps, earning just two receptions in his debut season with the team. His price tag probably isn’t worth keeping around, even if the Jets need receiving depth should Robby Anderson leave.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags