3 Worst Jets Contracts to Overcome This Offseason

2. Laken Tomlinson, G

Laken Tomlinson was another big-ticket free agent for Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. He joined the Jets in March 2022 on a three-year, $40 million deal with $27 million guaranteed. The Jets thought they were getting a mauler and anchor on the left side of the offensive line.

That wasn't the case. Tomlinson looks like a shell of himself compared to that player who was with the San Francisco 49ers. The Duke product doesn't move defenders in the run game and gets demolished in the pass protection. In 2023, Tomlinson finished with a PFF grade of 55 and was tied for third in sacks allowed (7). He also led all guards in pressures allowed (50).

Since coming over to New York, Tomlinson has been a below-average starter on the left side. The only positive that he's displayed in New York is his ability to stay on the field. He's suited up in all 17 games in both 2022 & 2023.

It would be smart for the Jets to move off of Tomlinson during the offseason. A post-June 1 cut would save New York $8.1 million in cap space but they would get smashed with a $10.7 million dead cap hit. That's a lot of money for a team looking to make meaningful additions over the next few months.

Another option for the Jets is restructuring this deal and pushing the dead money down the line. New York could be of the belief that with better offensive line play around Tomlinson, his floor could rise.