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New York Jets Rumors: D’Brickashaw Ferguson Asked To Take Paycut

By Kenneth Teape

Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson (60) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson (60) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets Rumors: In desperate need for cap space, the Jets have approached long time tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson about taking a paycut.

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New York Jets rumors continue to pick up despite the team having as little cap space as any team in the NFL available to spend. The latest rumor revolves around them attempting to open up more cap space, as they still plan on retaining quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and will have a draft class to sign in the coming weeks and months as well.

One way for the Jets to open up more cap space would be to restructure the contracts of some players. We already have seen it be done with offensive lineman James Carpenter this offseason; could we see it be done to another offensive lineman sooner than later?

According to ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, sources have confirmed that the Jets have contacted Carpenter’s fellow offensive lineman, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, about restructuring his contract and taking a paycut. According to sources, there has not yet been any formal offers between the sides, as the subject has just been discussed.

The 32-year old Ferguson has a $14.1 million cap hit for 2016, a number the Jets would like to reduce so that they can continue adding pieces to the remainder of the roster. He is scheduled to make $10.38 million, $8.63 million of which is due in base salary, while $1.75 million of it would come in the way of bonuses. The bonus money does not kick in until the offseason workouts conclude in June, so there is no rush for the Jets to make a move, but Ferguson is due $750,000 in workout bonuses if he completes the program.

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According to Cimini, the subject of a pay cut was brought up by general manager Mike Maccagnan while talking to Ferguson in the team’s weight room. The need for cap relief was mentioned, and that was pretty much it according to a source.

There has yet to be a commitment made publicly by Jets’ officials about Ferguson’s status for the upcoming season, which leads people to believe that he could be sent on his way. Maccagnan didn’t do anything to douse the fire, recently saying, “Right now, I’d say he would be on our roster going forward, but we’ll see how this thing unfolds.”

Ferguson has been a linchpin along the Jets’ offensive line since 2006, when he was the fourth overall pick. He has started every game since for the Jets, never even missing a snap because of injury over that period of time.

More ny sports: Top 10 First Round Picks In Jets' Franchise History

Unfortunuately, this is a what have you done for me now business, and there is a chance that Ferguson is released outright; none of his contract for this season is guaranteed, so if he plays hardball with the Jets they could just send him packing and open up some much needed cap space.

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