Declining team options on defensive tackle Mike Pennel, safety Terrence Brooks and linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis not only ridded the Jets of defenders who do not fit in Gregg Williams’ plans, but saved New York a decent amount of money as well.
Faced with a Feb. 19 deadline, general manager Mike Maccagnan opted to part ways with Pennel, Brooks and Pierre-Louis. In doing so, the Jets created $5.46 million in additional salary cap space. New York now has about $100 million in total cap space.
By declining Pennel’s option, the Jets saved $1.66 million. Had New York picked up Pennel’s option, he would’ve been locked up for two more seasons. Williams prefers quicker defensive lineman in his attacking scheme, so a big-bodied nose tackle like Pennel was no longer needed.
New York saved $2 million by parting ways with Pierre-Louis, while declining Brooks’ option saved the Jets $1.8 million. Both players served mostly on special teams in 2018.
With the decision made on Pennel, Brooks and Pierre-Louis, New York can now shift its focus to its next major salary cap decision. On March 15, half of Isaiah Crowell’s $4 million 2019 base salary becomes fully guaranteed. Crowell has a $5 million salary cap charge and by releasing him, New York would save $3 million.
