NY Jets WR Braxton Berrios could be a surprise offseason cut

The NY Jets might be forced to move on from a number of key players this offseason as the team looks to create cap space ahead of a likely quarterback addition. One such player could be wide receiver Braxton Berrios.

While the likes of Corey Davis and even Carl Lawson have received the majority of the attention, as far as Jets cap casualties are concerned, Berrios has also been mentioned as a possible cut candidate.

SNY's Connor Hughes recently identified Berrios as a potential "surprise cut" for the Jets this offseason, citing the versatile return man's cap hit combined with his disappointing 2022 season.

Berrios is set to carry a cap hit of $8.23 million into 2023 and the Jets can save $5 million by releasing him. That might just be worth it given his limitations and lackluster production last year.

"[Berrios] had an All-Pro season as a punt returner in 2021, which justified the extension [Joe] Douglas gave him, but he returned to earth in a big way last year. His limitations as a gadget player/slot receiver on offense are a drawback, too. He’s good insurance in case something happens to [Elijah] Moore, but do you really want to keep a guy on the roster with an $8.23 million cap hit to steal reps from a more explosive player, fair catch punts, and maybe return one kickoff a game?"

Connor Hughes

The NY Jets should make Braxton Berrios a cap casualty

Hughes brings up some good points and later mentioned how Berrios was a favorite of former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. With LaFleur now gone, there's one less person in the Jets' building in Berrios' corner.

Berrios was an All-Pro return specialist and a rock-solid depth wide receiver in 2021, and the Jets' decision to hand him a two-year, $12 million extension last offseason was met with widespread praise and approval. Unfortunately, Berrios regressed the following year.

The former waiver pickup finished with just 18 catches for 145 yards in 17 games. Despite this, he was tagged with three dropped passes after dropping just four total in 48 career games before 2022. One of those drops directly cost the Jets a win against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.

Berrios also struggled to make ground as a returner. He averaged only 23.1 yards per kick return and failed to return a punt longer than 22 yards. There were also numerous instances of Berrios letting a punt bounce when he shouldn't have. He cost the Jets valuable field position on a number of occasions.

Berrios isn't a bad player, but given his uninspiring production and poor efficiency in 2022, the Jets can absolutely find a suitable replacement for cheaper than $8.23 million.

Corey Davis might not be the only wide receiver the Jets cut ties with this offseason. Don't be surprised if Braxton Berrios joins him on the open market.