BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The New York Jets need cap space, and they need it fast.
As of Saturday morning, the Jets were only $2.8 million under their adjusted cap, according to ESPN data. Only the New Orleans Saints ($1.8 million) have less cap space than the Jets, who have to create room for defensive linemen Steve McLendon (three years, $10.5 million) and Jarvis Jenkins (two years, $7 million). They agreed to free-agent deals last week, but their contracts still haven't been filed with the league.
The exact breakdown of their contracts have yet to be revealed, but it's probably safe to assume the Jets need to clear at least $1 million to fit them both under the cap. They can do that by cutting a player (or players) and/or re-working a contract (or contracts).
General manager Mike Maccagnan isn't a big believer in restructuring contracts and pushing money into later years -- some call it a credit-card approach -- but he may have no choice. He'll also have to carve out another chunk when/if he re-signs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
So far, the Jets have signed four unrestricted free agents, totaling approximately $22 million in guaranteed money.
As of Saturday morning, the Jets were only $2.8 million under their adjusted cap, according to ESPN data. Only the New Orleans Saints ($1.8 million) have less cap space than the Jets, who have to create room for defensive linemen Steve McLendon (three years, $10.5 million) and Jarvis Jenkins (two years, $7 million). They agreed to free-agent deals last week, but their contracts still haven't been filed with the league.
The exact breakdown of their contracts have yet to be revealed, but it's probably safe to assume the Jets need to clear at least $1 million to fit them both under the cap. They can do that by cutting a player (or players) and/or re-working a contract (or contracts).
General manager Mike Maccagnan isn't a big believer in restructuring contracts and pushing money into later years -- some call it a credit-card approach -- but he may have no choice. He'll also have to carve out another chunk when/if he re-signs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
So far, the Jets have signed four unrestricted free agents, totaling approximately $22 million in guaranteed money.