If you’re wondering why the Jets haven’t cut Trumaine Johnson yet, there’s a reason for that.
As noted by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, New York should be waiting to see what happens with the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. If a new CBA is agreed upon, it has a direct impact on Johnson’s dead cap hit when he does get cut by the Jets.
Under a new CBA, the Jets could divide Johnson’s $12 million cap hit over two seasons. In 2020, it would be $4 million, while in 2021 it would be $8 million. As long as the Jets label him as a “June 1” cut, they’re able to go through with this method of paying Johnson.
The current CBA doesn’t allow a team to designate a player as a “June 1” cut since the agreement is up after this season. So, if the NFL and NFLPA can’t come to an agreement on a new CBA, then the Jets would be responsible for all of Johnson’s $12 million dead cap hit in 2020.
The Jets have until March 20 to see if a new CBA is implemented. Johnson’s $11 million salary for 2020 becomes fully guaranteed on March 20.
A new CBA would provide New York with an extra $8 million in cap space. However, if the current CBA is still in place, it’s not going to stop the Jets from cutting Johnson. The corner has been a disaster during his two seasons in New York. In 17 games, Johnson has 57 total tackles, seven pass breakups, five interceptions and one touchdown.
Whether it’s under the new CBA or the current one, Johnson won’t be a Jet in 2020. It’s just a matter of when.