FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Preparing for free agency and potentially adding quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets created $15.2 million in salary cap room by restructuring the contracts of three veterans.
They reworked the contracts of three players in the 2022 free agent class — guard Laken Tomlinson, linebacker DJ Reid and Tyler Conklin, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates on Saturday.
Earlier, the Jets restructured the contract of another member of the 2022 class, CJ Uzomah, and released wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
In total, the amount of savings is more than 23 million dollars. The Jets had to make these moves because they were just over $224.8 million. Teams must meet the requirements by Wednesday, the start of the new league year.
Now they wait for Rodgers to make a decision about his future. He could request a trade to the Jets, resign or return to the Green Bay Packers, which seems unlikely.
Jets brass, including owner Woody Johnson, flew to Southern California to meet with Rodgers on Tuesday. Packers president Mark Murphy confirmed on Friday that the team has given the Jets permission to speak with the four-time MVP.
Both the Jets and Packers want to make a decision as free agency begins. The statute of limitations begins Monday.
In the meantime, the Jets could make more moves. Pro Bowler CJ Mosley ($21.5 million) is eligible for contract restructuring. Wide receiver Corey Davis ($11.2 million) and safety Jordan Whitehead ($10.2 million) are likely losses.
To rework the contracts of Tomlinson, Reed and Conklin, the Jets converted their 2023 base salaries into signing bonuses prorated over the last two years of the contracts. Gap years are not included. Each player is under contract until 2024.
