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 cornerback Darryl Roberts. After re-upping with the Jets last offseason, Roberts was one of New York’s worst cornerbacks in 2019. Should he be granted another season in the Big Apple to get back on track? Let’s evaluate the situation.

Pros of keeping

The argument in favor of keeping Roberts is extremely similar to the argument to hang onto Trumaine Johnson for another season. Parting ways with Roberts is not going to help an already underwhelming cornerback unit which features three impending free agents in Brian Poole, Maurice Canady and Arthur Maulet.

The Jets gave Roberts a three-year extension for a reason. Yes, the old regime handed out that deal, but a glance on Roberts’ film prior to 2019 shows a player who has the potential to be a solid contributor if he can put all of the pieces together.

Cons of keeping him

Roberts wasn’t just bad in 2019. He was downright pitiful.

Why would the Jets keep a player who performed so poorly for another year? It’s hard to see Douglas hanging onto Roberts considering he did not give an extension to, especially when he can save New York a decent amount of money by cutting him.

Roberts is owed $5 million next season. If the Jets cut him before June 1, they save $5.8 million and do not inherit any dead cap. With those numbers taken into account, this becomes an easy decision for Douglas and company.

The verdict

It’s hard to see any situation where Roberts is on New York’s roster past June 1. Douglas has the opportunity to part ways with a player who was dead weight last season and spend that money on a free agent corner who better fits defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ scheme.

It’s safe to assume Douglas will take that opportunity. Do not expect Roberts back in the green and white in 2020.