It appears that veteran offensive tackle Ben Ijalana will be able to test free agency, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports. 
The Jets had until today to exercise their $500,000 bonus on the offensive lineman that would’ve triggered a $4.5 MM base salary for the veteran tackle. By not picking up the option, the Jets will save roughly $4.672MM in cap space but incur $1.25MM in dead money. Cimini reports the team could bring him back as a free agent.
Ijalana appeared in 11 games in 2017 but only played 56 offensive snaps and 42 on special teams. In 2016, he started 13 games and played 83% percent of the team’s snaps. He lost out on a starting spot in 2017, however, to Brandon Shell.
A versatile lineman who can play both tackle spots, Ijalana is sure to command attention for a team looking to add depth to its offensive line in 2018.
Could be someone Carolina targets if they let Andrew Norwell walk