Dec 9, 2018; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) walks off the field following the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets are reportedly releasing cornerback Trumaine Johnson, just two years after they signed him to a massive contract.
According to the New York Post’s Brian Costello, the Jets are moving on from the 30-year-old cornerback. Cutting Johnson creates just $3 million in cap space and will leave a $12 million dead cap hit, but the move was long expected.
After signing Johnson to a five-year, $72.5 million deal in 2018, the Jets benched him early in the 2019 season. He recorded only five interceptions in two seasons and proved to be a massive liability in coverage.
Cornerback will be one of New York’s biggest needs this offseason and the class of free-agent corners available this offseason is deep. However, it’s unlikely we’ll see them spend heavily at the position again following the complete disaster that resulted from signing Johnson.