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NFL Insider Points Out One Brutal Number For New York Jets

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Jake Rogers | Last updated 4/29/24

The New York Jets and Denver Broncos have been active in the offseason, making significant moves in their player rosters.

Following the trade of quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, Jets’ General Manager Joe Douglas has once again collaborated with Broncos’ GM George Paton. This time, they’ve agreed to send defensive end John Franklin-Myers to Denver in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

To facilitate the trade, Franklin-Myers has agreed to restructure his two-year contract with the Broncos. However, this transaction doesn’t bode well for the Jets financially.

According to ESPN insider Rich Cimini (via Over The Cap), the Jets now face a considerable dead cap space of approximately $52 million, representing around 20% of the total cap. This includes significant amounts allocated to Laken Tomlinson, John Franklin-Myers, and Zach Wilson.

The #Jets have an obscene amount of dead cap space — $43M before the JFM trade. It'll be about $52M when JFM is added, roughly 20% of the entire cap + among the leaders in dead space.

Tomlinson: $10.7M
JFM: $9.1M
Zach Wilson: $8.5M

Source: Over the Cap
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 28, 2024

Despite the financial strain, the Jets are positioning themselves to compete aggressively in the upcoming season rather than banking on future prospects. However, this strategy carries inherent risks.

With Aaron Rodgers recovering from a significant injury and advancing in age, there’s a possibility that such aggressive moves could have long-term repercussions.

While Franklin-Myers didn’t play a central role in Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme, appearing in only 56% of the snaps during his tenure with the Jets, his departure may not significantly impact the team’s performance on the field. Nevertheless, Joe Douglas is treading a precarious path.

The New York Jets’ management is under pressure to deliver tangible results in the upcoming season to secure their positions. Despite having a competitive roster, the team’s history suggests that success is far from guaranteed.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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