After four disappointing years with the New York Jets, it looks likely that
It looks like Gang Green will be saying goodbye to Holmes soon.Santonio Holmes is on the way out. Holmes was a top receiver for a short time culminating in the 2009 season when he registered 79 catches for 1248 yards and 5 touchdowns. This was the type of production that the Jets were counting on when they traded for Holmes, but it never manifested in New York where his best season produced less than 800 receiving yards.
In the last two seasons Holmes has been hampered by injuries, playing in a total of just 15 games. His production over that time period was modest even when he made it onto the field. With these facts in mind, the Jets will look to cut ties with Holmes along with other big-contract veterans this offseason.
In 2014 Holmes would be due a base salary of $8.25 million. This is an astronomical figure considering the level of production that he is capable of at this point in his career. Holmes has claimed that he would be willing to take a pay cut, but to this point no agreement has been reached by the two sides. The current consensus is that the Jets and Holmes will simply part ways rather than continue to talk about a new contract.
If the Jets actions coincide with rumors, then other offseason casualties will include Mark Sanchez and Antonio Cromartie (more on him here). Sanchez would count for another $13.1 million against the cap next season and Cromartie would account for $9.5 million. All told, the Jets could free up over $50 million by releasing these three players. Cromartie is really the only one who could possibly justify being kept by the team, and there is a chance that he could resign for much less money.
Once the Jets finish cleaning house they should be in a great position to go after some of the marquee free agents and/or sign a big name or two from the draft. Whatever direction they end up going, it is clear that the 2014 team will have some big differences from last year's squad and New York has every reason to be excited about the changes.
