The New York Jets might not be rolling in wins, but they are certainly rolling in cap space.
This week, they traded cornerback Michael Carter II to the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN’s Rich Cimini revealed on Sunday, November 2, that the move “saves $20.5 million in cash and clears $16 million in cap space for 2026 and 2027, per Spotrac.”
Eagles Provided the Jets With a Get out of Jail Free Card
14 months ago, the Jets made Carter the highest-paid slot corner in NFL history. At the time, the move was praised. The Jets kept one of their own after developing him from a day three pick to a bona fide stud.
However, the signing proved to be a disaster. Carter appeared in a career low 32% of the defensive snaps in an injury-riddled 2024 campaign. Then, this offseason, the Jets cleaned out the previous coaching staff and front office that drafted and developed him.
Carter dealt with more injury issues in 2025 and no longer seemed to be a scheme fit for the new Jets coaching staff.
Candidly, the green and white seemed screwed. Carter’s contract became an anchor for the team, and the Eagles arrived like a knight in shining armor.
Sure, the Jets moved up in the draft order, going from a 2027 seventh to a 2027 sixth. Yeah, the Jets added a mystery dart throw at wide receiver in John Metchie III. However, the largest benefit of the Jets’ deal with the Eagles was the money saved.
Jets Get Massive Cap Relief Moving Forward
In 2025, the Jets have $12.45 million in cap space. That ranks 15th most in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Jets are projected to have $80.28 million in cap space. That would rank 6th most in the NFL, per OTC.
In 2027, the Jets are projected to have $156.96 million in available cap space. That would rank 7th most in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
Gang Green Are Likely to Be Big Spenders During the Offseason
The Jets have no shortage of needs heading into the offseason. That list includes but isn’t limited to: quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive end, off-ball-linebacker, and safety.
With the amount of money they’re set to have, the Jets will have every opportunity to be aggressive in their attempt to fill those voids on the roster.
That is something to consider for the upcoming Tuesday, November 4, NFL trade deadline. The Jets have multiple players who are on expiring deals. Do the Jets plan on keeping any of those players long-term? If not, they should strongly consider moving them.
Compensatory picks aren’t guaranteed. Just because you lose a player in free agency doesn’t mean you will get a comp pick later. The formula is complicated based on the players you lose and the players you add in that same offseason.
Last year, three of the Jets’ compensatory picks they were projected to receive were canceled out by their free agent signings.
That list included three potential fifth-round picks according to Over The Cap: Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher Haason Reddick.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jets Save $16 Million in Cap Space After Abrupt Trade appeared first on Heavy Sports.