The Jets began trimming their roster on Tuesday when they released defensive line Henry Anderson.
The move raised $ 8.2 million in salary caps for the Jets, bringing their estimated amount to $ 76.1 million, according to Over The Cap the second most in the NFL. The Jets are able to be big spenders when free agency officially opens on March 17th.
Anderson’s cut was not a move the Jets had to make to clear space. They have had many already. But Anderson’s production does not match his salary. Anderson would earn $ 8.2 million in 2021 with a salary cap of $ 9.5 million. Anderson had only half a bag in 2020 and only one bag in 2019.
Moving from Anderson was an easy call for Joe Douglas, general manager, as the 29-year-old no longer had guaranteed money on his contract. The move is expected in the off-season.
The bigger question is whether Douglas will continue to chop at the grid to clear more chopping space. There are no other decisions that would be as easy as cutting Anderson. The Jets were able to raise $ 10.3 million by releasing wide receiver Jamison Crowder, but he has been their leading receiver over the past two seasons. Douglas could also take offense – where George Fant ($ 7.8 million saving), Alex Lewis ($ 5.1 million) and Greg Van Roten ($ 3.4 million) are all potential victims.
Former GM Mike Maccagnan acquired Anderson during the 2018 draft and traded a sixth round to the Colts for the 6-foot defensive line. Anderson immediately paid dividends and came up with seven bags in 2018. The Jets rewarded him in March 2019 with a $ 25.2 million three-year deal (with $ 17 million guaranteed).
But Anderson has struggled the past two seasons to make an impact. A shoulder injury slowed him down in 2019, and in 2020, while playing well against running, he was a non-factor as a pass rester. He started eight games last season and played all 16. In three seasons, he started 24 of the 45 games he played for the Jets.
In addition to saving $ 8.2 million against the salary cap, Anderson leaves $ 1.3 million dead.