New York Jets Make Roster Changes to Save Millions

Injuries in football are detrimental to NFL players. Very rarely are they looked at in the same way. Free-agent quarterback Cam Newton is realizing this as he continues to hold out for a starting role. Last night the New York Jets virtually closed the curtains a few players’ careers at the Met Life Stadium. One of these includes 27-year-old wide receiver Quincy Enunwa who is being kept on the books to save dead cap space.

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Quincy Enunwa placed on New York Jets PUP list

In addition to Enunwa, Josh Bellamy is part of the PUP list for the upcoming season. Furthermore, The Jets waived Keon Hatcher, Jalin Moore, Kyron Brown, and Charles Tapper. 

As per ESPN, the 27-year-old’s $6 million is guaranteed for 2020 and he will count $7.8 in the salary cap. However, next season will see $4.1 million of the amount guaranteed for injury. If The Jets release him now, they will face $11.4 in dead cap. Hence, it seems as though Enunwa’s good 2018 will help him financially for a year.

The 27-year old wide receiver took time to settle in after being picked 209th overall in 2014. In his 3rd season, he came to the fore with 58 catches, 857, and 4 touchdowns. However, it all went downhill for him after that. 

He sat out in 2017 due to neck surgery. A good 2018 saw him awarded with a 4-year extension worth $36 million. Unfortunately for the Jets, their investment did not pay off as the wide receiver reinjured his neck against Buffalo in game one. As things stand, the aforementioned game is the only time he would have stepped into the field after putting pen to paper in his new deal. 

ESPN likens his situation to Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks. He remained on the PUP list for a year before being released. 

Another option is a financial settlement however it seems unlikely given the wide receiver’s bad blood with the team. He took to social media as he was fined $27,900 for missing rehab sessions. 

The Jets could have done financial room this season though if they release Bellamy before June first. This will free up $2.25 million in cap space. 

Do you see The Jets improving on their 7-9 record from last season?