The New York Jets’ perfect offseason finish heading into training camp

Several Joe Douglas transactions would create the New York Jets’ perfect offseason finish heading into training camp.

His name is G.M. Joe and to most folks, he’s a real New York Jets hero. Prior to his arrival, offensive line excuses poured in from every angle. Thoughts such as, “It can be fixed next year” or “it’s unrealistic to think three starters can be flipped” led the way.

Of course, that unit—the single-most-important in professional sports—was never rectified under the previous regime over five NFL drafts. And, obviously, while the unit’s sheer effectiveness has yet to be determined, it would take a stubborn human being to argue Joe Douglas didn’t work magic at the spot in a sole offseason. The entire situation reminds many of the last offseason the Jets selected a first-round offensive line, the 2006 offseason when Mike Tannenbaum and Eric Mangini flipped three starters.

To be a “real Jets hero,” a man must keep moving. Now that the free agency and draft smoke has cleared, the bulk of the 55-man depth chart is set. But, interestingly, there’s still more Douglas can accomplish prior to camp.

The perfect ending to the Jets offseason is clear and concrete.

The Salary-Cap Situation (All Estimates)

The Jets currently possess $14.996 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap. According to the NFLPA, via Rich Cimini of ESPN on May 11, $14.22 million is the number.

Frank Gore is not yet included in the number, $9.88 million is needed to sign the incoming rookies and a tremendous relief in the form of $11 million on June 1 (Trumaine Johnson) is also on the docket.

All told, the cap space should remain around the same number it’s posted as today ($14-15 million range). That’s before the name Brian Winters is mentioned, a man whose removal would save the organization another $7.281 million.

Money is available and with a handful of perfectly-fitting names still unemployed, the options are interesting.