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 right guard Brian Winters. The 28-year-old offensive lineman is as tough as they come, but has dealt with numerous injuries the past couple of seasons. Should he be granted another season in the Big Apple to see if he can avoid the injury bug? Let’s evaluate the situation.

Pros of keeping him

Winters is a very good right guard when he is healthy. He is equally adept at both run and pass blocking and is as tough as any offensive lineman in the NFL.

You can’t put a price on the intangibles that Winters brings to the table. He has the utmost respect of everyone in the locker room and his leadership has had a profound impact on the culture at One Jets Drive trending in the right direction.

Cons of keeping him

There is no doubt that Winters’ injury history is weighing heavily on the minds of Douglas and company when it comes to deciding if he is worth keeping for another season. Winters has been placed on season-ending injured reserve the last two seasons, leaving the Jets with a major hole on their offensive line.

If New York cuts Winters before June 1, it can save $7.2 million without inheriting any dead cap money. That could prompt Douglas to part ways with him and use the savings to sign a right guard with a cleaner bill of health.

The verdict

This one is tough to call. Winters only has one year left on his contract and would more than likely be a solid contributor if he can remain healthy.

With that being said, Winters’ health will likely prevent a return to the Jets in 2020. The fact of the matter is New York cannot afford to run the risk of a starting offensive lineman succumbing to injury in the middle of a season for the third time in as many years.

It’s not going to be an easy decision, but we’re going to predict that the Jets will move in different direction at right guard this offseason.