Jets general manager Joe Douglas now knows exactly how much space he will have to spend when the free agency opens next week.
The NFL’s salary cap was set at $ 182.5 million for 2021. This represents a reduction of $ 198.2 million last year. The teams knew that the limit would decrease this year, after the effects of the pandemic in the 2020 season. No one knew exactly how much. Now, they know.
The Jets now have $ 69.2 million in salary cap space, according to Over The Cap. This is the second largest in the league, behind the Jaguars ($ 73.7 million). That means Douglas can be aggressive in his agency next week, if he wants to. Teams can start negotiating with agents on Monday and players can sign with teams on 17 March.
Some other important salary numbers were set on Wednesday and affect the Jets. Marcus Maye’s franchise will be worth $ 10.6 million. The Jets and Maye have until July 15 to agree on a long-term contract or Maye will play for etiquette and for that number this season.
Another number that has been finalized is the fifth year option for Sam Darnold. It will be US $ 18.9 million. The Jets have until May 3 to exercise the option for 2022. The Jets must not choose their option, but if they negotiate it, the team that acquires it is likely to do so.
Darnold’s salary for the 2021 season is $ 4.6 million. A team that is considering negotiating for him would be looking to hire him for a $ 23.5 million two-year contract.