3 Jets Cap Casualty Cuts to Save Millions This Offseason

2. Laken Tomlinson

Guard Laken Tomlinson was brought into town in March 2022. Tomlinson was fresh off a Pro Bowl campaign with the San Francisco 49ers and was needed to help solidify the left side of the offensive line. He signed a three-deal for $40 million, including $23.9 million guaranteed.

Tomlinson had experience with the offensive system New York was running and also had a history with Robert Saleh in San Francisco. The Duke product is known for his durability and leadership. Both of things did carry over into New York, as Tomlinson has started 17 games in back-to-back seasons.

Unfortunately for him, his play on the field has taken a massive dip. In 2023, Tomlinson had a Pro Football Focus grade of 55.0, ranking him 54th out of 77 qualified guards. The year prior he was ranked 58th amongst all guards. Yikes.

The 2015 first-round pick gave up an NFL-high 51 pressures and was tied for third in sacks allowed (7).

New York could part ways with Tomlinson in the offseason. They would free up $8 million in cap space but would have to eat a $10 million dead cap hit. Being able to suit up week in and week out isn't anything to gloss over.

Especially with how the injury bug consistently hits the Jets. That's something Tomlinson has provided across his nine-year career. The 31-year-old has played in 16-plus games in six straight seasons.

Sadly for him, that might not be enough to keep him in New York for the 2024 campaign.