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Jets Gained Major Cap Space This Week
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com] USA Today Sports

Days away from Summer, the beginning of June is an important time for NFL general managers. It’s at this time, teams who have designated released players as post-June 1st cuts now see the financial benefits from them. Of these post-June 1st cuts, no team has gained more cap space than the New York Jets. While fans may have disapproved of who got cut, the Jets will be rewarded with nearly $14 million in extra cap space. Thanks to these moves, the Jets currently have the fourth most cap space in the league. If properly allocated, this can have a massive benefit to the roster.

Jets Gained Major Cap Space This Week

Back in early spring, new general manager Darren Mougey made a difficult decision. Despite their impressive careers and impactful careers, the Jets moved on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker CJ Mosley. At the time, Mosley finished his sixth season in New York after beginning his career with the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined the team in 2022 after spending 18 years with the Green Bay Packers. Due to their age and financial implications, their new head coach made the right call moving on from the two to help bring change to the roster.

Weeks later, New York is finally starting to see the benefits. Despite the combined $55.5 million in dead cap spread between the next two years, the Jets saved an extra $13.5 million in cap space for 2025. The result of which gives the Jets over $36 million in available cap space to use. Which couldn’t have come at a better time for NY.

Post June 1st Cuts result in $13.5 Million in Cap Space

Due to the additional $13.5 million, the Jets now have the fourth most cap space available currently. Accounting for the new savings, the Jets have $36.79 million in cap space. New York only trails the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. With the extra financial relief, Mougey has more freedom to do more than just round out this season’s roster. When examining the depth chart, New York can still use additional depth at edge rusher and safety. Along with investigating another depth option for the interior of the defensive line. Potentially, even examining additions at wide receiver is possible. While the competition for the second wide receiver spot behind Garrett Wilson continues, perhaps Glenn feels the need for another veteran to help quarterback Justin Fields. However, there are two major steps New York still needs to accomplish before the season.

Cap Space helpful for Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson contract extensions

Three years after being selected in the top 10 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft, now is an important time for Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson. The star cornerback and wide receiver both have only one year remaining under contract. Due to their impressive resumes and accomplishments after only three seasons, both have shown their importance to the franchise. Gardner has been named First-Team All-Pro at cornerback before turning 25 years old. Meanwhile, Garrett Wilson became the first wide receiver in team history to begin their career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Both men have shown their talent, determination, and commitment to the team. As well as being adored by fans far and wide.

Retaining both Wilson and Gardner is crucial to the team’s long-term success. Aaron Glenn is the perfect mentor for Gardner as a former Jets first-round pick and cornerback in the 90s. His time with players like Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Lions safety Brian Branch can help Gardner reach new heights. In addition, Garrett Wilson has been the primary reason the Jets have had any offensive production the last three years. His consistency has been the only source of relief despite the revolving door at quarterback and offensive coordinator during his young career. If the Jets have any hope of success during the Aaron Glenn era, rewarding these two star players of Wilson and Gardner’s pedigree will go a long way.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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