While the Jets bid Trumaine Johnson farewell after informing him of his impending release in March, they’ve worn the albatross of his remaining $15 million on the salary cap. That will change now that it’s June.
At the time of his release, the Jets designated Johnson as a post-June 1 cut, meaning they can spread dead money over two seasons. New York will now spread Johnson’s remaining $12 million in bonus money across the next two seasons, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
With Johnson’s release now behind them, the Jets will recoup $11 million in cap relief. Johnson’s cap hit will be $4 million for the 2020 season and $8 million for 2021. While the Jets have officially rid themselves of the worst free agent signing in franchise history, Johnson will still affect the team’s salary cap next year.
Johnson’s release allows the Jets to get creative when it comes to plugging remaining roster holes before the beginning of training camp. There are still several top of the line free agents on the market, including Logan Ryan, Larry Warford and Jadeveon Clowney. New York can also rekindle contract extension talks with Jamal Adams and his representatives.
After Johnson never lived up to the five-year, $72.5 million deal that then-general manager Mike Maccagnan signed him to, the Jets made it a priority to replace him this offseason. The Jets signed Pierre Desir, drafted Bryce Hall, acquired Quincy Wilson and signed Lamar Jackson as an undrafted free agent to shore up a patchwork cornerback group that Johnson left behind.
