Brian Winters, Jets Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The New York Jets announced Monday that they signed right guard Brian Winters to a four-year contract extension.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Winters will earn a little under $8 million annually as part of the deal.

Winters missed three games in 2016 and ended the year on injured reserve. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise strong campaign from the fourth-year veteran, and the Jets were smart to lock him up to an extension now before he hit the open market.

NJ Advance Media's Connor Hughes argued the terms of the contract benefit Winters as well:

According to Spotrac, Winters earned $1.671 million in total cash in 2016, which tied for 37th-highest among fellow guards. An average of $8 million a year, on the other hand, would tie him with Mike Iupati and Brandon Brooks for fourth on the list.

Keeping Winters will ensure the Jets maintain some continuity on the offensive line for next year.

New York can save $10 million by cutting left tackle Ryan Clady and another $4.5 million by offloading right tackle Breno Giacomini, per Over the Cap. NJ Advance Media's Darryl Slater speculated in December that longtime starting center Nick Mangold may be considered expendable as well.

With so much turnover on the line, it was important for New York to quickly sort out Winters' future. 

The Jets may also save money in the long run considering the depth at guard in this year's free-agent class. T.J. Lang, Kevin Zeitler, Ronald Leary and Andrew Norwell are all looking for new deals, so Winters' $8 million a year may end up being a bargain.