The New York Jets give younger players a chance to finish a dreadful 2023 season.
It’s always difficult to watch teams torpedo throughout the season, and the New York Jets appear to be doing just that. Following Aaron Rodgers’ injury, this is a completely different team with a completely different mission statement.
The New York Jets have parted ways with veteran defensive back
There is no sugar coating it: the Jets have been an absolute train wreck on offense this season, but they have remained defensively stout aside from a few games against true offensive juggernauts. The Jets have given up more than 30 points in each of their last two games, and it appears that this season is officially over.
Following a decrease in his playing time over the last few weeks, the New York Jets released veteran safety Adrian Amos today in a truly perplexing decision.
Amos has played 248 snaps as a backup safety this season and has been a solid depth piece for the Jets. According to the Jets, the move will allow them to give younger backups Ashtyn Davis and rookie Jarrick Bernard-Converse more defensive opportunities.
The first ex-Packer was sent packing.
Amos began his career with the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2018, then moved on to the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2022, where he played alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Amos had been a starter in the NFL since his rookie season with the Bears, and he was with the Packers last season.
This will be notable as the first dismissal of Aaron Rodgers’ former teammates as a result of the elite quarterback’s actions. As the season comes to an end, the team may begin to cut any players who they do not believe will be significant contributors in the 2024 season. This could foreshadow what happens to struggling wide receiver Allen Lazard in the offseason.
The Financial Implications of the New York Jets’ Move
Amos was signed to a one-year, 7.5 million dollar contract in the offseason, and the Jets will take a 2.6 million dollar cap hit this season. This is a minor detail, but it suggests that the Jets will struggle to add any additional defensive backs for the rest of the season.
What is Amos’s next step?
Adrian Amos had 23 tackles and one pass deflection in 11 games this season. He is very likely to be a quick addition by a playoff team looking for defensive secondary depth, such as the Detroit Lions. Amos would also be returning to the NFC North after spending his entire career with the Lions.
It’s also possible that the Jets will resign him in the offseason for a lower salary for the 2024 NFL season. Amos would be an excellent mentor for any other young safeties the Jets sign or draft.
