The New York Jets are preparing to give Ryan Fitzpatrick a big contract. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Fitzpatrick's deal could be much larger than expected as the veteran proved he can compete at a high level as the Jets battle for the playoffs. With Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Chris Ivory also looking for new contracts in the offseason, will the Jets have to have some salary cap casualties to bring back key members to this year's team?
According to Cimini, the Jets plan on bringing Fitzpatrick back as their starter and the quarterback could earn a contract that pays him close to $12 million per season. That would be a nice upgrade from the $3.25 million he is earning this season in the final year of a two-year contract originally given to him by the Houston Texans. Fitzpatrick will be a heavy hit to the salary cap. If Ivory and Wilkerson are also retained, the Jets might have to cut a few heavy contracts. Who could be out?
With Derrelle Revis signed to a long-term deal, both Antonio Cromartie and Dee Milliner could be out in the offseason. Milliner has been at risk of getting released for over a year now as he cannot catch a break in terms of injuries. Cromartie could also be out considering he is an $8 million cap charge in 2016. That type of contract is not going to be ideal for the Jets to retain.
Sheldon Richardson could find himself out in the offseason as well. The defensive end has one year remaining on a contract that makes him a $3 million cap hit. That is not a heavy burden, but Wilkerson's contract will be a priority for the team and could force Richardson's release. Richardson has also had a number of off-the-field issues that will factor into his future with the Jets. There is also the factor of former first-round draft pick Leonard Williams. The rookie has not been the start the Jets wanted, but he could develop into something special.
Jeremy Kerley and Jeff Cumberland are two more players that could find themselves off the team in the offseason. Kerley has disappeared this season thanks to the success of Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. Kerley is a $3.1. million cap hit in 2016 while Cumberland is a $1.9 million hit. The Jets have had issues with wide receiver and tight end depth this season which makes many people believe they cannot afford to lose Kerley or Cumberland, but with the draft coming up and Devin Smith set to improve, the Jets will look to get younger next year.
In the short-term, the Jets do have a big injury to worry about. According to Cimini, Fitzpatrick has been limited with elbow and back injuries. The quarterback is expected to play in Week 17 as the Jets push for the playoffs, but there should be some cause for concern. The quarterback has been the reason the Jets are in this position and they cannot afford to lose Fitzpatrick.