Jets’ $89 Million Dead Cap Bill Is a Symptom of a Bigger Problem
If you’re wondering how a team with over $70 million in cap space can still feel completely stuck, look no further than the New York Jets’ dead cap situation. It’s not just a number on a spreadsheet - it’s a reflection of years of missteps, mismatches, and missed opportunities. And right now, it’s costing the Jets nearly $89 million.
Let’s break that down.
The Dead Cap Dilemma
The Jets are carrying nearly $90 million in dead money into the 2026 season - second only to the New Orleans Saints. That’s money being paid to players who won’t take a single snap for them this year. It’s a financial echo of decisions past, and the list of names is a who’s who of what-could-have-beens in New York.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Aaron Rodgers - $35 million
- Sauce Gardner - $11 million
- Quinnen Williams - $9.8 million
- **C.J.
Mosley** - $7.6 million
- Michael Carter II - $6.8 million
- Quincy Williams - $4.8 million
- Allen Lazard - $4.6 million
- Andre Cisco - $4 million
- Tyrod Taylor - $2.4 million
- John Simpson - $2.1 million
That’s a lot of money tied up in players who either didn’t pan out, were traded, or simply didn’t fit the long-term plan. And when you combine that with the team’s on-field struggles - including the second-worst record in the NFL last season - it paints a clear picture of a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels.
More Than Just a Cap Issue
This isn’t just about accounting. It’s about how the Jets have managed their roster - or, more accurately, mismanaged it.
The organization has struggled to align coaching, front office vision, and player development over the past decade. The result?
A playoff drought that now stretches 15 years and counting.
While other teams have used creative cap strategies to remain competitive - think Philadelphia’s use of void years and rolling guarantees - the Jets haven’t found that balance. They’ve spent big, but haven’t gotten the return on investment. And now, they’re paying for it - literally.
A Glimmer of Hope
Here’s where things get interesting: there is a path forward.
Looking ahead to 2027, projections suggest the Jets’ dead cap situation will ease significantly. The financial hangover from the Aaron Rodgers deal and the trades involving Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams will begin to fade. There may still be some lingering guaranteed money tied to Justin Fields, but the overall picture looks much cleaner.
That doesn’t fix 2026, of course. This offseason is still going to be a challenge. But for a team that’s been stuck in reverse, even a glimpse of stability down the road is worth noting.
Learning From the Past
If the Jets are looking for a blueprint, they don’t have to look far. The Denver Broncos took on a record-setting $85 million dead cap hit for Russell Wilson in 2024.
Two years later, they were in the AFC Championship Game. It’s proof that a turnaround is possible - but it takes smart decisions, patience, and a clear plan.
The Jets have the cap space. Now they need the vision. Because if they’re going to climb out of this hole, they can’t afford to keep digging.