New York Jets release former Green Bay Packers Safety prior to Week 13

New York Jets cut ties with Veteran Defensive Back

There is no way to sugar coat it: the Jets have been an absolute train wreck this season on the offensive side of the ball but they have still remained defensively stout aside from a few games against true offensive juggernauts.  The Jets have surrendered over 30 points in each of their past two games and it appears that they have officially closed the book on this season.

In a truly confusing decision, The New York Jets cut ties with veteran safety Adrian Amos today following a downward shift in his playing time over the past few weeks.

Amos has played 248 snaps this season as a backup safety and has been a solid depth piece for the Jets.  The Jets reported rationale is that the move will allow them to provide more defensive opportunities to younger backups Ashtyn Davis and rookie Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

First former Packer sent packing

Amos started his career with the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2018 and then played alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2022.  Amos had been a starter in the NFL since his rookie season with the Bears up until last season with the Packers.

This will be notable as the first dismissal of the slew of Aaron Rodgers’ former teammates brought on by the elite quarterback.  It is possible that as the team writes off the end of the season, they will start cutting any players that they don’t think will be significant pieces in the 2024 season.  This might be a forecast of what happens to disappointing wide receiver Allen Lazard in the offseason.

Financial Implications of the Move for the New York Jets

Amos was signed to a one-year, 7.5 million dollar contract over the offseason and the Jets will take a cap hit of 2.6 million over the course of the season.  This is relatively insignificant but indicates that the Jets will struggle to add any additional defensive backs for the rest of the season.

What is next for Amos?

Adrian Amos will finish the season with 23 tackles and one pass deflection in 11 games.  It is highly likely that he will be a quick addition by a playoff team looking for depth in the defensive secondary such as the Detroit Lions.  The Lions would also mark a return to the NFC North for Amos after playing his entire career in the division.

It is also possible the Jets still offer to resign him in the offseason for a reduced sum for the 2024 NFL Season.  Amos would serve as a viable mentor for other young safeties that the Jets sign or target in the draft.