It looks like the Trumaine Johnson era in New York is coming to an end. The Jets placed Johnson on injured reserve today, as well as receiver Josh Bellamy, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
Johnson was a monster flop in the Big Apple after signing his massive free agent deal, and as Rapoport writes, “it’s safe to say Johnson has played his last down with the team.” Johnson is set to have $11MM in salary for 2020 become guaranteed in March, so he’ll almost certainly be cut by then. All told, Johnson will have received $34MM to appear in 17 underwhelming games for the Jets. New York apparently tried desperately to trade him at the deadline, but couldn’t find any takers.
After having a solid first six years in the league with the Rams, Johnson inked a five-year, $72.5MM deal last offseason. Things got off to a rocky start, and although he picked off four passes in ten games last year, he didn’t play up to standards. He was benched for a couple of weeks earlier on this season before ultimately regaining his starting role, and he clearly didn’t get along well with the new regime in New York.
Johnson has been graded very poorly by most observers this season, and he missed last week with an ankle injury. Still only 29, he should draw some interest on the open market. Bellamy is a former UDFA who had the occasional moment with the Bears over the past few years. He inked a two-year, $5MM deal with the Jets this offseason, but will finish 2019 with only two catches for 20 yards.
Smart man. He played the system just like Cousins. 2 franchise tags from the Rams, then a mega deal. And at 29, he’ll get another 3 year contract in the offseason.
The cap rises at least 10% annually so why lock yourself into a 4-5 year contract and miss out on the ever increasing profit? I understand the injury side of the argument, but the FA contracts signed in 2016, look below average now.
He just lost 40 m how’s ur math
That $72.5m wasn’t all guaranteed, never is. He walked with $34m though.
Very true, but if he had played well, he could have gotten the whole $72.5 million, couldn’t he?
Anyone know if he’s related to Muhammad Wilkerson?
Jets sure do know how to judge character before they give out big deals don’t they
Can they put Gase on IR?
They would have to put him on a MUP (mentally uable to perform) list.
Is Trumaine even hurt? They didn’t even mention his current injury!!!