New York Jets: Jamal Adams is recruiting free agents again

Juggling the payroll

One big concern New York Jets GM Joe Douglas is that Ngakoue could be a pricy signing. As Paul A. Esden Jr. of The Jet Press points out, Ngakoue’s “market value” will be $17.1 million per year, and over a five-year deal that would be in the range of $86 million.

According to Over the Cap, the Jets currently have three players that are north of $50 million. Those players are C.J. Mosley ($17M average per year), Trumaine Johnson ($14.5M average per year), and Bell ($13.1M average per year).

Signing Ngakoue would be another high priced player on the Jets’ payroll, which may inhibit their ability to fill other positional needs this offseason (offensive linemen, wide receivers, and cornerbacks). Also, depending on the amount of guaranteed money, signing Ngakoue may limit the Jets future cap flexibility.

However, Ralph Vacchiano reported that the Jets will have somewhere in the range of $60 million in salary-cap space this offseason (this is including the five percent salary cap increase). Gang Green currently ranks 10th in available cap space.

He believes that the Jets want to create more cap space, approximately $80M. They will need to cut some veteran players, such as guard Brian Winters, cornerback Darryl Roberts, and linebacker Avery Williamson.