New York Jets Cut Players To Dump Salary, Including Calvin Pace

Sept 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker (46) catches a pass but falls out of bounds while being defended by New York Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Jets 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets were going to be over salary and were going to need make moves to get under cap. Restructuring contracts and trading players, like Darrelle Revis, are options but the easiest way is to release players.

That’s exactly what the Jets did today according to Pro Football Talk.

"“The team has announced that linebacker Calvin Pace, safety Eric Smith, and tackle Jason Smith have been cut.  Also, tight end Josh Baker (who is not a vested veteran) has been waived.”"

Jason Smith was a former #2 overall draft pick in 2009 with the St. Louis Rams before being traded to the New York Jets. Calvin Pace was a free agent signing from the 2008 season. Eric Smith, a safety, was drafted by the New York Jets in 2006.

Bart Scott seemed to be a no-brainer to be on this list. But to release them and try to resign them under a new smaller deal brings risks. Scott would be hitting the open market and would have a long list of suitors, like divisional foe Buffalo Bills.

Rich Cimini of ESPN says that the moves shed $24.4 million in cap space. To me that was the most shocking part of this. Those 4 players were averaging $6 million each. Shows a lot about how the Jets front office has been operating.