New York Jets set to release $40m star in salary-cap cut
With the start of the new NFL year coming on March 13, NFL teams have two weeks to ensure that they are under the 2024 salary cap.
It was confirmed last week that the cap would increase to a record $255.4million, significantly higher than many forecast, but that will not stop a number of teams from having to shave money from their payroll, which will see some big names cut.
The New York Jets look to be one of the first teams to make a significant cut as ESPN report that left guard Laken Tomlinson is set to be released.
The 32-year-old was signed to a three-year, $40million contract in 2022, but the former Lions and 49ers man has struggled for consistency in New York. His salary was due to count $18.9million against this year’s cap, with his release saving just over $8million, leading to a hit of more than $10million on this year’s cap.
Tomlinson looks to be the first victim of what is likely to be a significant overhaul on the Jets line, following a season in which it ranked as one of the league’s worst units. Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown and Connor McGovern are all set for free agency.
After seeing Aaron Rodgers rupture his Achilles tendon on just the fourth snap of the season, pass protection remained an issue for the Jets who finished the season with a 7-10 record to finish third in the AFC East.
Tomlinson’s experience and durability should ensure that he finds himself a new team ahead of the 2024 campaign.
