Rich CiminiESPN Writer2 minute read
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Preparing for free agency and the possible addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets created a $13.1 million salary cap by restructuring three veteran contracts .
They have reworked the contracts of three players in their 2022 free agent class — guard Laken Tomlinson, cornerback DJ Reed and tight end Tyler Conklin, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates on Saturday.
Previously, the Jets restructured tight end CJ Uzomah — another member of the 2022 class — and released wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
In total, cap savings total more than $21 million. The Jets had to move because they were slightly over the $224.8 million cap. Teams must comply with the cap by March 15, the start of the league’s new year.
And now they are waiting for Rodgers to make a decision on his future. He can trade to the Jets, retire or return to the Green Bay Packers, which seems unlikely.
Brass Jets, whose owner Woody Johnson, flew to Southern California on Tuesday to meet Rodgers. On Friday, Packers president Mark Murphy confirmed that they had authorized the Jets to speak with the four-time MVP.
The Jets and Packers would like to have a resolution by the time free agency begins. The legal tampering period begins on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Jets could make more moves. Pro Bowl linebacker CJ Mosley ($21.5 million cap) is a candidate to restructure his contract. Wide receiver Corey Davis ($11.2 million) and safety Jordan Whitehead ($10.2 million) could be maximum losses.
To rework the Tomlinson, Reed and Conklin contracts, the Jets simply converted 2023 base salaries into signing bonuses, pro-rated by amount over the last two years of the contract. No null year was added. Each player is signed until 2024.