3 New York Jets who could be cut before Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
New York Jets Potential Cut No. 1: Sheldon Rankins, DT
30. DT. Jets. Sheldon Rankins. 1. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
After spending his first five seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Sheldon Rankins signed with the New York Jets in the 2021 offseason, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $17 million.
That’s a hefty amount to pay for someone to be a reserve but for most of his first season with the Jets, that’s exactly what Rankins was. In 16 games played, Rankins had just three starts and finished the season with 32 tackles and three sacks.
He looks to still be a backup in 2022 with Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers in the starting roles. Rankins could also have more competition inside with the addition of Solomon Thomas, who had 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the San Francisco 49ers last year.
While the production was similar, Thomas will cost roughly $2.9 million this season against the cap whereas Rankins will count for nearly $6.2 million. However, the Jets could save 5.4 million of that money by releasing him.
Rankins has proven in the past to be a great defensive lineman and even if he stayed in a rotational role, New York might see him being worth the price tag. But if he ends up giving them similar to what Thomas can, they might decide to save a little money and move on.