The Jets have already made a number of moves to add talent this offseason, but there is still money left to be spent before training camp kicks off at the end of July.
New York currently has $14.2 million in remaining salary cap space. They need $9.8 million to sign their draft picks, but $11 million in cap relief comes on June 1 thanks to the release of Trumaine Johnson. The Jets can also free up more money if Joe Douglas chooses to part ways with a couple of players taking up a chunk of cap space. Either way, Douglas is going to have the capital to continue to improve the roster as the offseason nears an end.
So, how can the Jets not only make use of their remaining $14.2 million, but also free up more money to spend? Let’s take a look.
Release Avery Williamson and Brian Winters
There is a legitimate chance both Avery Williamson and Brian Winters become salary cap casualties before training camp rolls around.
The financial incentive to move on from both players is certainly there. Cutting Winters would free up an additional $7.28 million in salary cap space. Parting ways with Williamson would free up roughly $6.5 million.
The Jets have enough depth at linebacker and on the offensive line to absorb the impact of losing both players. With that in mind, if Joe Douglas has any designs on clearing up cap space, Williamson and Winters will be the first two players out the door.
Sign Larry Warford
Despite already re-signing Alex Lewis and inking Greg Van Roten to a three-year deal this offseason, bringing in former Saints guard Larry Warford is a no-brainer.
Warford has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and is arguably at the top of his game at age 28. He has plenty of good football left ahead of him and his arrival in New York would give the Jets an elite run blocker.
Joe Douglas has placed an emphasis on beefing up in the trenches throughout the offseason. There’s no reason to stop now with a player of Warford’s caliber available in free agency.
Add Logan Ryan to the secondary
Logan Ryan could be exactly what the Jets’ secondary needs to take the next step in 2020.
Adding Ryan and pairing him with Pierre Desir on the outside would give New York a solid cornerback trio. With Brain Poole lined up in the nickel, the Jets would have three established cornerbacks on the field — a far cry from the team’s personnel at the position in 2019.
The Jets can’t afford to rely on young cornerbacks if they want their secondary to become a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season. Ryan adds instant credibility and a track record of success to the position.
Bring in a backup quarterback
The Jets need a quarterback that can run their offense without much of a drop off in production if Sam Darnold succumbs to injury in 2020.
New York drafted James Morgan to fill that role, but it’s a lot to ask of any rookie quarterback to contribute in a pinch — especially a mid-round pick. A veteran like Matt Moore, who has experience playing in Adam Gase’s offense, would be an ideal fit to serve as Darnold’s No. 2.
Improve the depth at wide receiver
With Quincy Enunwa already out for the year, the Jets could benefit from adding another veteran presence at wide receiver before training camp.
Unfortunately for New York, there are not too many quality options left in free agency beyond Paul Richardson and Chester Rodgers. Demaryius Thomas is a veteran the Jets could consider bringing back given his familiarity with Adam Gase, but it remains to be seen if he would garner any sort of consideration.
Even if the options available to the Jets right now are not all that enticing, adding a veteran presence at receiver, even if it’s just for training camp, is a move New York should consider making.
