As soon as Aaron Glenn was hired as the New York Jets’ head coach this offseason, a youth movement began.
Following the releases of aging veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, the Jets have extended their youth movement to special teams, moving on from Thomas Morstead and Greg Zuerlein over the past week.
With just three players on the roster over the age of 30, New York has displayed a desire to get younger across the board. Yet, the push for a younger roster may not be done.
There’s still one veteran who could see his name on the chopping block soon.
Which Jets Veteran Will Be Cut Next?
As things currently stand, the only 30+ players on the team are backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, wide receiver Josh Reynolds, and long snapper Thomas Hennessy.
Just because these players are over 30, though, it doesn’t mean the organization will go after them next – even if they go against what Glenn has pushed this offseason.
“It’s a young man’s game,” Glenn said during league meetings in March. “I was always taught that you can’t be afraid of the young player, so … we’re able to mold these guys into who you want them to be and what type of team you want to be.
“Me and (Jets GM Darren Mougey) did a really good job of trying to create that. I think every situation that we wanted to create when it comes to free agency, we hit, as far as getting the quarterback that we wanted, getting the quarterback of the defense, trying to make this team younger.”
New York’s trio of 30-year-olds isn’t expected to be on the chopping block just yet. One veteran could be, though.
Former fourth-round edge rusher Micheal Clemons has struggled to make a positive impact on the Jets since he was taken in the 2022 draft. The former Texas A&M product has more career penalties than sacks.
Clemons will turn 28 in August, meaning he doesn’t quite fit the “youth movement” plans. Combine that with his poor discipline and production on the field, and he is an obvious cut candidate.
Clemons is entering the final year of his rookie contract with New York. His cap hit is $3.6 million, but the Jets can cut him to clear $3.4 million while only taking on $191K in dead money.
It should be enough for the Jets’ new coaching staff to move on from him.
