What Can the New York Jets Do to Clear More Salary-Cap Space for 2015 Offseason?

Despite the disdain for former general manager John Idzik, the New York Jets can thank him for clearing up ample cap space for a roster makeover in 2015.

Idzik left behind an estimated $38.650 million in player salary-cap space, per Spotrac.com, the second most in the NFL behind the Oakland Raiders. However, he also left some holes in the roster left to be filled.

The new regime will also have to make decisions on re-signing free agents, recruiting from the free-agent market and a major potential extension for Muhammad Wilkerson, per CBS New York.

The front office should make two critical cap space-crunching decisions to free a significant amount of cap room for Wilkerson's extension, an upgrade for the defensive secondary and passing attack.

Release Percy Harvin

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Percy Harvin is slated to become the Jets' second-highest paid player if he remains on the roster next season. Whoever owner Woody Johnson hires as the next GM has to cut ties with Harvin or restructure his contract.

The seven-year wide receiver was wildly inconsistent in eight games. He was a 100-yard receiver in Weeks 9 and 14 but failed to record 50 receiving yards in the other six games.

A reputation as a locker room tyrant coupled with an injury-prone history isn’t an attractive long-term asset worth an average of $10.707 million over the next four years.

The Harvin project comes off as a last resort from a desperate GM striving to keep his job after a horrendous 1-7 start to the season.

The versatile wide receiver’s $10.5 million dollar price tag is an unnecessary expense with the possibility of Amari Cooper (Alabama) available with the sixth overall draft pick. 

Cooper doesn’t have Harvin's explosiveness, but he can move the chains with his sure hands and crisp route running.

The money gained after wiping Harvin off the books can be used to offer lucrative deals to players like Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant or Randall Cobb—in effort to sway them away from re-signing with their current playoff teams.

It’s hard to imagine Cobb or Bryant leaving behind the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo. However, Peyton Manning will likely retire within the next year or two. The Jets GM should show Thomas the money and remind him that the sight of Brock Osweiler signifies a rebuilding project for the Denver Bronco offense.

Eric Decker may scoff at the idea of leaving Denver and taking the money in New York after a terrible season. Nonetheless, he and Thomas could possibly lead another high-octane offense with a veteran quarterback or aid Geno Smith’s development.

Restructure D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s Contract

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Gang Green’s highest-paid player in 2015 will be D’Brickashaw Ferguson, owed $11.698 million. Ferguson has been a model of consistency, starting in every game as the left tackle since being drafted fourth overall in the 2006 draft.

The streak is an amazing feat, but his production has dropped. Being on the field isn’t enough to earn a top salary. It’s a start. Players hold out and negotiate for more money when exceeding expectations—and therefore should be open to contract negotiations initiated by management when the on-field production is on the decline.

The three-time Pro Bowler was selected to his last Pro Bowl in 2011. He was the 35th-ranked offensive tackle in the league this season with a minus-5.3 run-block rating, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Ferguson is still a decent tackle, but he’s no longer a top-dollar asset.

Looking ahead, he’s set to make $14.107 million in 2016. A drastic decision to release him could be made next year if he continues to decline and refuses to restructure his deal in the offseason.

Jets' Cap Space Direction Uncertain

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As NFL Network first reported, the Jets have swung and missed with two more GMs in their ongoing search, per NorthJersey.com writer J.P. Pelzman.

Without a GM or a head coach in place, the Jets’ ship doesn’t have any wind in its sails. The franchise is at an ominous standstill. 

Fortunately, with the substantial sum leftover, New York isn’t restricted by cap space. However, the front office needs an above average scouting or personnel-driven GM to invest in quality players.

A large portion of the loose cash will be spent on veteran leadership and production in the secondary. The first conversation should involve Darrelle Revis’ agent. Johnson opened the door for the idea at the Jets' postseason press conference. The GM needs to seal the deal after the New England Patriots’ playoff run.

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All player contract salary details provided by spotrac.com and overthecap.com.