For a team that finished 2-14 last season, the New York Jets probably don’t have a ton of guys that are roster locks moving forward.
The franchise was hoping for bigger and better things last year with Sam Darnold entering his third professional season, and Adam Gase establishing his imprint on the team.
Unfortunately for Gang Green, the campaign got away from them pretty early, and they staggered to the finish line amidst a chorus of (largely digital) boos.
GM Joe Douglas was somewhat fortunate to still have a job after the disaster of a season, and did his best to pick up the pieces through free agency and the draft.
There is still a bunch of dead weight on the Jets’ roster as Robert Saleh tries to determine which players could be a factor for New York in 2021.
Let’s take a look at three players the Jets have to part ways with before the regular season.
3. C.J. Mosley
It’s unfortunate for him to be on a list like this, but Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley is right up there with regards to trimming the edges off of New York’s 2021 roster.
After flying around the line of scrimmage with the Baltimore Ravens for five seasons, Mosley has just not been able to find his footing with the Jets due to injury.
He only played in two games in 2019 due to a groin injury, and opted out of the 2020 season.
It’s possible that a healthy Mosley could be a disruptive force for New York and their new defensive-minded coach, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen him flash that form.
It would make sense for the Jets to cut their losses, and let Jarrad Davis lead that group in 2021.
C.J. Mosley on what he did during the 2020 season after opting out: pic.twitter.com/AvnDmmXE1J
— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) May 28, 2021
2. George Fant
For a team that has been desperately searching for offensive line talent, it wouldn’t seem like the bar is that high for the Jets with regards to upgrading that unit.
They’ve taken steps to address it, but are still not quite where they need to be consistently in order to protect their quarterback.
The team took a stab at young veteran George Fant to help address their tackle needs.
Coach Saleh knows Fant well from his days in the NFC West, where his 49ers defenders would look to make Fant uncomfortable during his days as a Seattle Seahawk.
Fant is set to account for the fourth-highest cap hit on the team, but with Mekhi Becton emerging and potentially ready to slide in at left tackle, keeping Fant around seems redundant.
POV: You said you weren't hungry and now you asked @GeorgeFant74 for some of his fries. pic.twitter.com/rppDJthNKb
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 26, 2021
1. Chris Herndon
It’s somewhat hard to believe that Chris Herndon has only been in the NFL for three seasons, but he’s still somehow just 25 years old.
Since being drafted by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has been tabbed as a possible intriguing talent at tight end due to his height and athleticism.
Herndon flashed some potential in rookie year, showing a nice connection with Darnold and scoring four touchdowns.
Since that time, however, the level of consistency has just not been there, and it’s unclear whether he will (or should) survive final cuts made by a new coaching staff.
New York signed Tyler Kroft in free agency, and still has veteran Ryan Griffin aboard as well.
Neither Kroft nor Griffin have the upside that Herndon was believed to have, but they bring a reliable presence to the team, which could spell the end for the former Hurricane in the Big Apple.
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