Aaron Rodgers’ March 2025 release triggered $49 million dead cap split across two seasons. The 42-year-old’s post-June designation creates $21 million current penalty with $35 million next year.
Sauce Gardner’s November trade to Indianapolis after four-year $120.4M extension adds $11M dead charge demonstrating franchise reset under new ownership.
Quinnen Williams leads roster at $21.6M cap hit before November Dallas trade created $14.2M dead cap. Jets maintain $18.3 million current flexibility ranking 11th NFL. Garrett Wilson’s four-year $130M extension provides offensive centerpiece through 2030.
New York Jets player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Justin Fields | Breece Hall | Malachi Corley |
| Tyrod Taylor | Braelon Allen | Xavier Gipson |
| Adrian Martinez | Isaiah Davis | Garrett Wilson |
| Brady Cook | Zach Evans | Mike Williams |
| Boston Scott | Kene Nwangwu | Britain Covey |
| Donovan Edwards | Brandon Stephens |
Rodgers Era Ends With Financial Fallout
Forty-two-year-old quarterback’s two-season tenure cost $75 million guaranteed for 12 games played. His Achilles tear Week 1 2023 derailed championship aspirations. March release saved $9.5M current cap versus $49M total hit if designated pre-June.
| Player | Position | Cap Hit | Contract Status | Through |
| C.J. Mosley | LB | $17.7M | $51M (5yr restructured) | This season |
| Alijah Vera-Tucker | OG | $15.3M | $49M (4yr) | 2028 |
| Garrett Wilson | WR | $9.8M | $130M extension (4yr) | 2030 |
| Tyler Conklin | TE | $8.9M | $21M (3yr) | 2026 |
| Solomon Thomas | DL | $7.5M | $31.5M (3yr) | 2027 |
| Will McDonald | EDGE | $6.8M | Rookie deal year 3 | 2027 |
| Breece Hall | RB | $5.1M | Extension candidate | 2026 |
| Olu Fashanu | OT | $4.8M | $19.8M rookie | 2028 |
| Malachi Corley | WR | $2.9M | $12M rookie | 2028 |
| Xavier Newman | C | $2.1M | Restricted FA | This season |
Mosley’s restructured $51M deal extends through final season. His $17.7M charge represents manageable veteran cost despite age-34 decline. Four-time Pro Bowl linebacker provides defensive leadership during rebuild phase.
Wilson’s June extension ($32.5M AAV, $78M guaranteed) made him fifth-highest paid receiver. His 2024 production (92 catches, 1,143 yards, 9 TDs) validated investment establishing offensive foundation post-Rodgers.
Gardner Trade Shocks League
November 2024 trade to Indianapolis surrendered league’s highest-paid corner four months after June extension. His four-year $120.4M deal ($30.1M AAV) lasted 13 games creating $11M combined dead cap.
Trade Details: Colts received Gardner plus fourth-round pick for two first-rounders and third-rounder. Jets absorbed $11M penalty ($2.75M current, $8.25M next year) while Indianapolis assumes $25.5M annually 2026-2030.
Gardner’s Salary: Jets paid $14.375M of $15.625M total current compensation. His $13.75M signing bonus fully earned before departure demonstrates front-loaded structure benefiting acquiring team.
Williams’ November Dallas trade created $14.2M additional dead cap. His four-year $96M extension lasted 18 months before Cowboys assumed $82M remaining through 2028. Combined trades generate $25.2M dead money demonstrating aggressive roster teardown.
Wilson’s $15M Net Worth Foundation
Twenty-five-year-old receiver built wealth through $48M career earnings. His 2022 #10 overall selection generated $20.5M rookie contract before $130M extension established generational security.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Trade Impact |
| Garrett Wilson | $15M-$22M | $48M+ | Team centerpiece |
| Quinnen Williams (traded) | $40M | $91M+ | To Cowboys |
| Sauce Gardner (traded) | $10M-$15M | $22M+ | To Colts |
| Breece Hall | $4M-$8M | $12M+ | Extension pending |
| Alijah Vera-Tucker | $8M-$12M | $28M+ | Interior anchor |
Wilson’s endorsement portfolio includes Nike, Gatorade, Panini generating $2M annually. His 221 career catches through three seasons averaging 74 yearly establish extension justification. Fifth-year option ($12M estimated) precedes long-term deal.
Hall accumulated $4-8M through $11.9M rookie earnings. His 2024 performance (1,286 rushing yards, 55 catches) creates extension urgency before 2026 FA. Running back market suggests $12-15M AAV preventing second contract elsewhere.
Next Season Cap Outlook
Jets project $22M available after Rodgers’ final $35M charge hits books. Gardner ($8.25M), Williams ($14.2M remaining), Rodgers ($35M) combine for $57.45M total dead money requiring strategic free agency targeting affordable veterans.
Extension Priorities: Breece Hall (2026 FA), Will McDonald (fifth-year option candidate), creating $20-25M annual commitments.
Dead Cap Relief: Rodgers elimination post-2026 frees $35M enabling aggressive spending. Gardner, Williams charges expire 2027 creating clean books for championship push.
FAQs
Who is the Jets’ highest-paid player?
C.J. Mosley carries $17.7M cap hit through restructured five-year $51M deal. His final contract season at age 34 represents manageable veteran cost providing defensive leadership during franchise reset after Rodgers departure.
What is Aaron Rodgers’ dead cap penalty?
Rodgers’ March release created $49M split: $21M current, $35M next season. Post-June designation saved $9.5M immediate cap enabling competitive spending during 2025 rebuild phase before full penalty clears 2026.
Why did Jets trade Sauce Gardner?
November trade four months after $120.4M extension shocked NFL. Ownership change prompted roster teardown securing two first-rounders plus third from Indianapolis. Jets absorbed $11M dead cap while Colts assume $25.5M annually 2026-2030.
What is Garrett Wilson’s net worth?
Wilson’s $15-22M wealth stems from $48M career earnings through $130M extension. His 221 catches averaging 74 yearly establish centerpiece status with Nike, Gatorade endorsements generating $2M annually beyond $32.5M football salary.
