ESPN reveals Jets' $48 million mistakes still haunting them

The New York Jets have been proactive in free agency in Year 2 for Aaron Glenn, as the franchise looks to finally turn this embattled ship around.

It has been years of tough sledding for the organization and its fans. There was brief hope with Aaron Rodgers, but injury and poor form ended that.

Last season, it was Justin Fields, and that went about as well as most thought it might. However, most knew it wasn't going to be a quick fix for Glenn.

And now ESPN's Rich Cimini has revealed a little piece of housekeeping for the Jets, and it is rather interesting. 

"The NFL's salary cap world can create some weird situations," Cimini wrote. "For instance: The Jets are paying Geno Smith $3.3 million to be their starter and Justin Fields $8 million to be the Kansas City Chiefs' backup.

"It's not ideal. Neither is the fact that Fields and Aaron Rodgers, their last two opening-day starters, are eating up $48 million in cap space (about 16%) because of "dead" charges."

More: Analyst delivers brutal QB reality for Steelers in 2026

Jets' QB position still uncertain

Geno Smith returns to the franchise he once left after a horror 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, as Glenn wants a veteran at the position.

In truth, the Jets aren't likely to make giant strides in 2026, with many thinking that the franchise has an eye on the 2027 draft, where a potential franchise quarterback can be selected. 

So, they need a place-holder, and that's Smith.

The move isn't likely to get fans excited, and it feels like 2026 is going to be another year of tough sledding for the Jets, as they try to get out of this cycle of poor football play.

Glenn needs time, but I get the sense that if New York starts badly, the lineup for those wanting him gone will be quite long.

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• Raiders again linked with Pro Bowl QB
• Analyst gives compelling reason for Chargers' slow free agency approach
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