New York Jets News: Brandon Marshall, 2 More Have Contracts Guaranteed

New York Jets News: Three players had their contracts guaranteed for the 2016 season, headlined by wide receiver Brandon Marshall at $9.5 million.

The New York Jets have had a relatively quiet free agency thus far. They are cap strapped, so they have seen more players leave as free agents than ones that they have brought in. They were hit hard in the early going, as they lost starting running back Chris Ivory and nose tackle Damon Harrison to the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants respectively.

The Jets did well replacing Ivory, as they landed Matt Forte from the Chicago Bears and Khiry Robinson from the New Orleans Saints to replace the early down work, while also retaining free agent Bilal Powell. They have not been able to full replace Harrison yet though, as it will probably take a team effort from players already on the roster than landing an outside free agent to replace him.

While the Jets will look for ways to continue adding some cap space to work more on the free agent market, we know of three players that will not be going anywhere. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, offensive lineman James Carpenter, and safety Marcus Gilchrist all essentially had their roster spots guaranteed on Friday, as their salaries for the 2016 season became guaranteed.

ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini was the first to report the news, also reporting how much each player will be earning in 2016.

Marshall will lead the way with $9.5 million, while Gilchrist comes in at $5 million, just ahead of the $4.45 million that Carpenter will be earning. All three players earned those contracts, as the trio had strong first seasons with the Jets.

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Marshall had a career-year with the Jets, bouncing back from a disappointing 2014 that was derailed by injuries. The former Denver Bronco, Miami Dolphin and Bear reeled in 109 receptions for 1,508 yards and 14 touchdowns. That makes it four teams that Marshall has gone over 1,000 yards receiving with in a season.

Gilchrist was one of many acquisitions made last season to improve a secondary that struggled for the Jets in 2014. He responded well, recording 82 tackles with three interceptions and seven passes defended in 16 games. He should continue playing a hybrid role for the Jets, starting at safety but shifting to slot corner in some packages.

Carpenter was the second former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman that the Jets signed in consecutive offseason, following Breno Giacomini. He had a solid first year with the Jets as the starting left guard, grading out positively according to Pro Football Focus; he graded out as their 17th guard overall.

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All three players are important to the Jets success in 2016, and are worthwhile to retain. The biggest question remaining for the Jets is who will Carpenter be protecting and Marshall be catching passes from this upcoming season? With Ryan Fitzpatrick on the open market, the Jets could be scrambling to find some more money to give to Fitzpatrick, but it will not be coming at the expense of Marshall, Carpenter or Gilchrist.