In a long expected move that will immediately free up 8.25 million of cap space, a source close to the team has confirmed the New York Jets have released wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Before 2011, Holmes was signed to a monster 5 year, 45.25 million dollar contract after putting together a clutch 2010 season for the team. Unfortunately, he never came close to living up to the deal, struggling with inconsistency and injuries over the past three seasons. Holmes is likely to enter a harsh market that is loaded with players who have been more productive in recent years. He may be forced into taking a one year “show me” deal.
There were rough patches the past few years but let’s not forget Holmes role in nearly getting the Jets to a Super Bowl in 2010. It will be interesting to see how a fully healthy Holmes can produce in 2014, depending on the offense he ends up on. Arizona could be a potential landing place.
Unfortunately in New York, it kind of seems like everything went downhill from here.
With the departure of Holmes, the depth chart is now headlined by Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson and Stephen Hill. The Jets are expected to be active in the free agent market for a wide receiver. We have included links below to the work we’ve done previewing some of their potential targets. The team is also likely to consider adding another receiver or two in the NFL Draft, which is particularly deep this year at the position.
- Emmanuel Sanders
- Golden Tate
- James Jones
- Andre Roberts
- Dexter McCluster
- Debunking #1 WR Myth
- Top Five Review
Holmes always had a contentious relationship with the New York media and a few locker room issues that were outlined more clearly in Collision: Low Crossers. However, his teammates always spoke of him in a high regard and in our personal dealings with him, he was always a courteous and kind individual.
