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The Jets began downsizing on Tuesday when they released defensive lineman Henry Anderson.
The move freed up $ 8.2 million in salary cap space for the Jets, bringing their estimated total to $ 76.1 million, the second-largest in the NFL according to Over The Cap. The Jets are in a position to spend big when Free Agency officially opens on March 17.
Cutting Anderson wasn’t a move the Jets had to make to clear space. They already had a lot. But Anderson’s production did not match his salary. Anderson was expected to earn $ 8.2 million in 2021 with a salary cap of $ 9.5 million. Anderson only had a half bag in 2020 and a single bag in 2019.
Passing from Anderson was an easy call for general manager Joe Douglas as the 29-year-old no longer had any guaranteed money on his contract. The move was expected this offseason.
The bigger question is whether Douglas will continue to cut down the list to free up more room on the ceiling. There aren’t any other decisions that would be as easy as cutting Anderson off. The Jets could make $ 10.3 million by releasing wide receiver Jamison Crowder, but he was their main receiver in each of the past two seasons. Douglas could also take action on the offensive line – where tackle George Fant ($ 7.8 million in savings), guard Alex Lewis ($ 5.1 million) and guard Greg Van Roten (3.4 millions of dollars) are all possible victims.
Former general manager Mike Maccagnan acquired Anderson in the 2018 draft, trading a sixth-round pick at the Colts for the 6-foot-6 defensive lineman. Anderson paid immediate dividends, with seven sacks in 2018, tied for the team. The Jets rewarded him with a three-year, $ 25.2 million contract (with $ 17 million guaranteed) in March 2019.
But Anderson has struggled to make an impact over the past two seasons. A shoulder injury slowed him down in 2019 and in 2020, while playing well against the run, he was a non-factor as a passer. He started eight games last season and played in the 16. In three seasons, he started 24 of the 45 games he played for the Jets.
On top of the $ 8.2 million in savings over the salary cap, Anderson’s release leaves $ 1.3 million in dead money.
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