3 former NY Jets' who fell short of expectations in New York

Throughout the course of NFL history, teams and fans have experienced their fair share of disappointment and unmet expectations.

Whether it's the Arizona Cardinals taking Josh Rosen with the 10th pick in the 2018 NFL draft or the countless suspensions that plagued former Cleveland Browns' wide receiver, Josh Gordon, the league has experienced a variety of players that fell short of expectations.

Sadly, the beloved team in the Big Apple, the NY Jets, are no exception to their fair share of disappointments and wasted cap space.

While there are definitely more former Jets' that didn't meet expectations than the number of fingers on your hand, three of them stand out for more reasons than one.

1. Trumaine Johnson, CB, NY Jets

This name most likely has Jets fans closing this tab almost immediately, as the name reminds fans of blown coverages, a multitude of injuries, and wasted money.

Trumaine Johnson was drafted back in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, now known as the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson played with the Rams from 2012 all the way until 2017, before joining the New York Jets in free agency before heading into the 2018 season.

Before joining the Jets in the offseason, he dominated for the Rams posting 18 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 327 total tackles over the course of six seasons.

Although he only won player of the week one time and was not nominated for any major awards or appearances, his impact on the field was well known throughout the league. The Jets were a team that was heavily interested in his impact.

On March 16th, 2018, the NY Jets signed Johnson to a lucrative five-year, $72.5 million dollar deal with $34 million dollars guaranteed. Heading into the 2018 season, the expectations were deservedly high for Johnson after such a massive contract was signed.

He would miss five total games due to a quadriceps strain, and be a healthy inactive for the season finale against the New England Patriots. He started and played just 10 games while recording four interceptions, 40 total tackles, and five passes deflected down.

The production was definitely down, but it would only get worse after his first season in New York. In his second season, Johnson played just seven games while also being placed on the injured reserve with an ankle injury. In 2019, he recorded just 25 tackles and one interception.

In each of his two years with the Jets, Johnson ranked as one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL. His contract was the third highest in team history, and he was arguably the team’s worst player over his last two years.

At the end of the 2019 season, he would, unfortunately, be released by the Jets and his contract would allot for just $12 million in dead cap for the Jets.

After the 2019 season, he would not play another down in the league and remains a free agent.