5 NY Jets candidates to be cut going into the summer

2. Allen Lazard, WR, NY Jets

If the Jets could simply outright release Allen Lazard, they likely would've done it already. Unfortunately, simply cutting Lazard isn't a viable option, given that his dead cap hit of over $18 million is over $6 million more than his standard cap hit in 2024.

In essence, the Jets would pay over $6 million more to release Lazard than they would to just keep him on the roster. Needless to say, they're not going to do that.

That doesn't mean Lazard is a lock for the 53-man roster, though. The Jets will explore any and all trade options involving the struggling wide receiver this summer. If any team is willing to bite, the Jets probably won't hesitate to get a deal done.

Lazard doesn't offer special-teams value, was abysmal last season, and has struggled thus far this spring. His status is worth monitoring as we approach the summer — the Jets really want to get rid of him.

1. Israel Abanikanda, RB, NY Jets

Much has been made about Israel Abanikanda's roster status since the Jets drafted two running backs this past April. As we approach mandatory minicamp later this month, it's become increasingly apparent that the second-year running back is in trouble.

Abanikanda has primarily worked with the second and third-team offense this spring despite Breece Hall being sidelined with a minor injury. Instead, it's been rookie Braelon Allen who has emerged as the favorite to be the Jets' RB2 behind Hall.

Abanikanda has split reps with rookie Isaiah Davis, 2023 practice squad member Xazavian Valladay, and veteran Tarik Cohen, and he's reportedly looked the worst of all of them at OTAs.

There's still time for Abanikanda to change the narrative with an impressive summer, but he'll very much be competing for a roster spot in training camp. He's fighting an uphill battle.