The Jets have added some big names to their receiving corps this offseason, leaving their most productive target of the past two years in a bit of an uncertain place. Jamison Crowder is away from Jets OTAs and discussing his contract, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.
The team is seeking a Crowder pay cut, Cimini adds. Crowder is entering the final season of a three-year, $28.5MM contract, but no guaranteed money remains on the deal. The Jets could release their top slot receiver without incurring any dead money, though Robert Saleh said Friday that Crowder will “absolutely” be with the Jets this season.
New York signed Corey Davis and used a high second-round pick on Elijah Moore, who resides as a presumptive Crowder long-term slot replacement. Gang Green also added Keelan Cole on a one-year, $5MM deal. Crowder came into the offseason as a potential cap casualty, but the Jets kept him. Their cap situation did not make cost-cutting moves necessary, but the seventh-year veteran wideout’s place with the team does not appear entirely secure.
Crowder’s 2021 cap charge ($10.375MM) is the third-largest figure on the team’s payroll; only recent signings Davis and Carl Lawson top that number. The Jets discussing a Crowder pay cut in June does not leave him with great options, considering he would not do as well on the open market at this juncture of the offseason. Only the Jaguars and Broncos have more cap space than the Jets’ $27MM-plus number, however.
Crowder has totaled 137 receptions for 1,532 yards and 12 touchdowns as a Jet. In a receiving corps that otherwise lacked reliability, the former Washington fourth-round pick provided the best semblance of pass-catching consistency on the Jets during their Sam Darnold years. As of now, Crowder will be set to work with new quarterback Zach Wilson.
Crowder shouldn’t take less money unless he gets more years. Simple as that.