Before free agency kicks off in March, Jets general manager Joe Douglas is going to have some decisions to make on players already at One Jets Drive.

Along with New York’s 32 impending free agents, there are a handful of players who could be shown the door in an effort to free up salary cap space. The Jets have $53 million to spend right now, according to Spotrac. That number could grow exponentially if Douglas parts ways with players eating up a large chunk of Gang Green’s payroll.

Among those who are a candidate to become a cap casualty is wide receiver Josh Bellamy. Mike Maccagnan inked the special teams ace to a two-year deal last offseason and he performed well in that role, but he did not contribute much to New York’s aerial attack. Should Bellamy return in 2020? Let’s evaluate the situation.

Pros of keeping him

Bellamy thrives in the role that the Jets signed him to take on. He is excellent on special teams and is the leader of a unit that was among the league’s best in 2019.

New York wouldn’t be lost on special teams without Bellamy, but it’s safe to say the unit would not be quite as good. It often flies under the radar, but special teams is an important facet of the game. Finding guys like Bellamy who get the job done on kick and punt return coverage on a weekly basis is not easy.

Cons of keeping him

It’s nice that Bellamy is a special teams ace, but the fact of the matter is the Jets need weapons at wide receiver for Sam Darnold to work with. Bellamy contributed next to nothing lined up out wide last season, taking up a spot on the depth chart that could have been used for a more dynamic pass catcher.

All of Bellamy’s contract guarantees were in the first year of his deal. If New York cuts him, it saves $2.25 million. That’s not a ton of money, but enough to make a difference in free agency.

The verdict

This is another tough one, as Bellamy is integral to New York’s special teams operations. With that being said, Brant Boyer has proved he can coach up younger players to thrive in that facet of the game. The Jets can easily part ways with Bellamy, save some money and find a younger, cheaper player to fill his role.

We’re predicting that Bellamy is out the door this offseason.