Spencer Long’s tenure as a Jet is over — for now, anyway.
The Jets announced Tuesday that they are releasing Long after just one season. His cap number for 2019 would’ve been $6.5 million with $3 million as base salary and $3.5 million as a roster bonus, so Gang Green is creating more room to maneuver this offseason by cutting the offensive lineman.
The Jets signed Long to a four-year deal worth $27.4 million last offseason, but all of his guaranteed money came in the first year of the contract.
Long appeared in 13 games as a center and guard last season. He was riddled by injuries all year and it affected his ability to snap the football while playing center. His snaps were all over the place for weeks, but the Jets moved Long to left guard after James Carpenter on was placed on injured reserve. Long thrived on the left side, looking far more comfortable than he did in the middle of the line.
With that in mind, Long’s departure may not be permanent. According to The Daily News’ Manish Mehta, New York still has interest in bringing him back at a reduced rate and, presumably, as a guard.
Either way, the Jets will once again be in the market for a new center this offseason.
