3 Jets Veterans Who Could Be Cut After NFL Draft

The New York Jets looked to be primed for another top-five selection in the NFL Draft, but a surge late last season pulled them to a 7-9 record, and effectively saved head coach Adam Gase's job. Still, the Jets still have a plethora of needs on both sides of the ball, as most of the current members of the roster failed to make an impact. With eight picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, those veterans can easily be replaced.

Here are three experienced players the Jets could cut ties with after the NFL Draft.

3. Josh Doctson

Josh Doctson is barely a lock to make the regular season roster. / Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

New York's biggest need entering draft night is at wide receiver. The Jets lost Robby Anderson to the Carolina Panthers, but replaced him with a quality receiver in Breshad Perriman. Despite that signing, the Jets are fully expected to be in the running for a top wide receiver with the 11th overall pick so quarterback Sam Darnold can finally get an explosive target. The Jets have a pretty crowded wide receiver depth chart, meaning one (or more) will have to be handed their walking papers. The easiest choice is Josh Doctson. The former first-round bust of the Washington Redskins dealt with countless injuries and failed to record a reception last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Doctson isn't part of the Jets' long-term plans, so they might as well part ways before the start of the season.

2. Brian Winters

Brian Winters is bound to be cut by the Jets. / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Offensive guard Brian Winters has been a Jet since the team selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The main issue with Winters has been his ability to stay healthy. From concussion issues to knee and abdomen ailments, Winters has experienced it all. On top of that, Winters' play doesn't exactly warrant a solidified spot in the starting lineup. Oh, and the Jets completely revamped their offensive line this offseason, for the better. Winters carries zero dead money, and if cut, the team can save over $7 million in cap space.

1. Avery Williamson

Avery Williamson could be a cap casualty after the NFL Draft. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

This is probably the hardest decision for the Jets to make. After signing Avery Williamson in the 2018 offseason, he proved to be one of their better linebackers in recent memory. But in 2019, he didn't even log a regular season snap after tearing his ACL in a meaningless preseason game. Considering Williamson was signed by former general manager Mike Maccagnan, current front office boss Joe Douglas could opt to move on from Williamson altogether and save around $6 million in cap space.