No, there is not one team around the NFL perfectly satisfied with their roster. There remain months until they have to determine which 53 players will make the final roster. Let alone which ones will dress come Week 1 of the 2021 NFL Regular Season. So, it is obvious that there are still plenty of moves for teams to make.
For the New York Jets, they are in that same boat. This team is young, hungry, and wants to prove things will be different than a year ago when they went 2-14. In order to do that, the team must see not only their new additions make an impact, but for everyone to improve. Then again, there are more additions the team could make to help that case.
Keep an Eye on the New York Jets Following Post June 1st Cuts
What is a Post-June 1st Cut?
Every year, the date of June 1st plays a massive role in roster construction. It allows for financial flexibility, as front offices can spread out a cap hit over multiple years. Therefore, allowing for contract restructures, but more importantly, assistance in getting out from bad contracts.
In being able to spread out a contract, teams such as the Jets can open cap space immediately. A perfect example comes with former Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson, one of their worst free agent signings in team history. By releasing Johnson post-June 1st, it allowed the Jets to gain flexibility as they could spread out his cap charge. And it is not just Gang Green who does this, as every NFL team takes advantage of this on a yearly basis.
The Lasting Impact
That being said, there are always excellent veterans who hit the market come June 1st. Another example is defensive back Logan Ryan, who was a key contributor in the New York Giants defensive turnaround this past season. He was available in June and found himself signing a team-friendly deal as he simply needed a chance.
Already, due to the strenuous COVID-19 cap circumstances, plenty of veterans have been cut. They are still looking for work, and the free agent market may only get more flooded as teams make cuts starting tomorrow. Luckily, the Jets might be a popular landing spot for a handful of them still looking to make an impact in 2021.
Jets Can Take Advantage of Market
General Manager Joe Douglas has always had a vision. He keeps his options open, making sure he does not get locked into horrendous contracts. Currently, his top priority is to extend franchise-tagged safety, Marcus Maye. Once that is done, he could use whatever remaining cap space to fill some holes on the roster.
Right off of the bat, the Jets need help at cornerback. Blessuan Austin and Bryce Hall at the moment stand as the team’s starters on the outside. Yet neither have given any reason as to why they should be guaranteed the job. The team could find themselves in the market for Richard Sherman or Steven Nelson, who would fit new Head Coach Robert Saleh’s defense well. Or maybe the Jets swing for a veteran backup quarterback, with Chicago Bears’ Nick Foles being a financially realistic option once June 1st hits.
As things stand, the Jets have around $25-million in cap space available, including the funds needed to sign their remaining unsigned draft picks. With all that money in Douglas’ pocket, he could better the team now. Or, maybe he looks for that money to roll over into 2022, where the Jets will once again be major players in the draft and free agency.
Either way, one thing is for sure – knowing Douglas’ love for financial flexibility, it is worth watching his every move once the calendar hits June 1st, 2021.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
