The Jets announced (Twitter link) that they have released wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes was once of the league’s premier offensive threats but he has taken a few steps back in recent years.
Holmes, 29, has played in just 15 games for the Jets over the last two seasons due to foot issues, and even when he’s played, his production has been down. He has compiled 43 catches, 728 yards, and two TDs overall in the last two seasons. In an effort to provide weapons for Geno Smith or the veteran signal-caller the team brings in to compete for the QB job, New York is in the market for receiving help this offseason, and cutting Holmes will create some cap space to pursue free agents. By releasing Holmes before his $1MM roster bonus is due on March 13, the club can reduce his $10.75MM cap hit to just $2.5MM in dead money, creating more than $8MM in cap savings.
Recently, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk identified the Rams, Cardinals, and Steelers as potential suitors as potential suitors for the veteran’s services.