The Jets are expected to cut Santonio Holmes “any day now,” a league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. We’ve expected for some time that Holmes would be released this offseason, and now it seems that could happen in advance of free agency, allowing the veteran receiver to get a headstart on the process.
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. A report earlier this month indicated that Emmanuel Sanders and Jeremy Maclin are among the receivers who could interest the Jets, assuming they reach free agency.
As for Holmes, Florio identifies the Rams, Cardinals, and Steelers as potential suitors once he’s officially released. However, Florio’s suggestions appear to be speculation based primarily on coaching staffs rather than any concrete interest expressed by those clubs.
Jets are gonna get cut happy soon.