The New York Jets received an additional $13.5 million in salary cap space on Monday. The NFL calendar flipped over, allowing the team to collect on their post-June 1 designations after releasing both Aaron Rodgers and C.J. Mosley earlier in the offseason.
The Jets currently own the fourth-most cap space in the NFL, with $36.8 million at their disposal. New York Jets analyst Nick Faria wrote a column for Jets X Factor, where he highlighted the three best uses for New York's newfound cap space.
Faria's first point, and one that is likely to be a popular decision among fans, is the extend their young stars, namely Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, while also considering Jermaine Johnson and Breece Hall.
"This almost seems like a no-brainer for New York. Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner are two players in need of contract extensions. Any extra cash to dish out in the early years will be helpful." Faria wrote. "There is still a strong belief that both Wilson and Gardner will be extended this offseason. As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler told Jets X-Factor’s Connor Long, the Jets have made initial contract offers to the two young stars."
If the Jets don't go that route, or have leftover spending money after the fact, Faria suggests the Jets shore up key holes on their roster.
"New York still has some obvious roster needs, including wide receiver, edge rusher, tight end, and even safety. All of these positions could welcome an infusion of talent, even if it’s just a short-term veteran presence." Faria suggested. "There are also plenty of veteran stars still available at those positions, like receiver Amari Cooper or edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who could be impactful on New York’s roster in 2025.
Otherwise, Faria notes, the Jets could just stand pat, not dolling out any longterm money.
"Just because the Jets have an increase in salary cap space, it does not mean they have to do anything with it in 2025. Mougey and Glenn have both talked about building the team in the right ways." Faria noted. "That usually means not spending big money on players who have not produced for them in their roles yet. " New York could simply hold onto the salary cap space and push it off to the 2026 offseason, a time when there should be better free agents and the Jets would have more information on some of their younger stars."
Faria also points out that waiting until 2026 could free up flexibility to extend additional players, such as edge rusher Will McDonald or center Joe Tippmann.