4 notable NY Jets who could be cut before the summer

The NY Jets are just a few months away from entering one of the most pivotal seasons in franchise history. The addition of Aaron Rodgers has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the organization, but even as we approach the end of May, the team's work is far from over.

NFL roster gymnastics continue to take place, and the Jets might just have a few more signings in them. We've already seen the Jets add the likes of Al Woods and Billy Turner this month. Surprise players such as Ty Johnson and Cedric Ogbuehi have been released in recent weeks.

The Jets are going to make some more moves before training camp officially kicks off in July. Because of that, a few notable players could become expendable.

This list isn't meant to discuss the absolute bottom-of-the-roster players. Instead, let's take a look at four somewhat notable players the Jets could cut before training camp begins this summer.

4. Trystan Colon, C/OG, NY Jets

The Jets signed former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Trystan Colon to a one-year deal back in March with the expectation that he could provide extra interior depth to the team's offensive line. However, he's little more than a roster longshot at this point.

The team re-signed Connor McGovern, signed veteran Wes Schweitzer, and added Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann in the second round of this year's draft. Colon is essentially the third/fourth backup center/guard on the roster.

Barring injury, it's hard to envision a scenario in which the 25-year-old makes the Jets' roster. That's why it wouldn't be a shock to see an outcome similar to the Cedric Ogbuehi situation.

The Jets re-signed Ogbuehi only to release him after adding the likes of Billy Turner and Carter Warren. Colon might prefer to compete for a roster spot in a more favorable location. If that's the case, it might make sense to part ways before training camp.

3. Ashtyn Davis, S, NY Jets

The competition for the Jets' backup safety jobs is one of the more underrated position battles the team will have this summer. One player looking to stick around is former third-round pick Ashtyn Davis.

Davis has failed to establish himself as a regular defensive contributor in his three years in the NFL. He played just 13 defensive snaps this past season, although he did manage to secure a game-winning interception in that time.

Still, the 26-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract and faces steep competition this summer. The Jets are high on former undrafted free agent Tony Adams, veteran Will Parks is a well-respected locker-room leader, and the team added versatile defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse in the sixth round of this year's draft.

That's not to mention undrafted rookies Trey Dean III and Marquis Waters, who were each given a sizable amount of guaranteed money. The Jets have a plethora of options behind presumptive starters Jordan Whitehead and Chuck Clark.

The other factor to consider here is money. Davis is actually slated to make over $3 million this season. His 2023 cap hit is just below Allen Lazard, Chuck Clark, and John Franklin-Myers.

The Jets can save nearly $3 million by releasing or trading Davis at any point, and given that the team is still looking to create cap space, this feels like a very realistic move they could make.

Davis is far from a roster lock and easily the most expensive of the Jets' backup safeties. He's as likely of a candidate as anyone to be a late cap casualty.

2. Kenny Yeboah, TE, NY Jets

Some might scoff at the notion that Kenny Yeboah is a "notable" player, but we are talking about a player who was active as the Jets' No. 3 tight end over third-round rookie Jeremy Ruckert last season.

The Jets like Yeboah, who has developed into a quality backup tight end and regular special-teams contributor since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021.

Unfortunately, the Jets' tight end room is extremely crowded. Veterans Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah are back. Ruckert is hoping to earn a more sizable role in his second NFL season. Seventh-round rookie Zack Kuntz is an intriguing developmental option.

Then there are undrafted rookies E.J. Jenkins and Izaiah Gathings — two converted college wide receivers. Jenkins was given the third-most guaranteed money of any undrafted rookie on the Jets' roster, while Gathings was the only tryout player signed out of Jets rookie minicamp.

There are currently seven tight ends under contract with the Jets, not including fullback Nick Bawden. It's very rare to see a team enter the summer with that much roster space devoted to the tight end position.

While Yeboah did play 79 percent of the Jets' special-teams snaps last season, it still seems unlikely that he makes the final 53-man roster. Even if the Jets try to sneak Kuntz onto their practice squad, I'm not sure there's room for Yeboah.

The most likely outcome is that Yeboah does make it to training camp where he can compete for a roster spot, but with seven tight ends under contract, it wouldn't be a shock to see one let go before the summer.

1. Jordan Whitehead, S, NY Jets

This is the most notable cut the Jets could theoretically make this summer, and it would likely require a few developments.

When the Jets traded for Chuck Clark this offseason, many assumed that Jordan Whitehead might be shown the door before long. After all, Clark and Whitehead essentially occupy the same role as traditional box safeties.

Instead, the Jets seem content with Clark and Whitehead as their starting safeties in 2023. Perhaps that speaks to the team's belief in Tony Adams assuming more responsibility on defense, or perhaps they're comfortable with Clark and Whitehead's versatility.

Regardless, the Jets should still be in the market for more of a traditional free safety, and there are a couple of names remaining on the market that make sense. John Johnson and Adrian Amos are two starting-caliber free agents that spring to mind.

If the Jets sign one of those two players, it might make sense to cut ties with Whitehead and save a chunk of money. Whitehead's $10.23 million cap hit is actually the fourth-highest of any Jets player this season.

The team would save $7.25 million by releasing him at any point this offseason. That's a large sum of money for a team still trying to figure out Aaron Rodgers' cap situation, not to mention Quinnen Williams' impending extension.

The Jets need a free safety and could use some cap relief. Whitehead was underwhelming in his first season with the team, and while the Jets remain optimistic that he will be better in 2023, there is another option.

It would be a surprise, but don't rule out the possibility of Jordan Whitehead being a late-spring cap casualty.