How much cap space do New York Jets have? Assessing NY's room to manoeuvre

The New York Jets started the 2022 NFL season with a 6-3 record before their bye week in week ten.

At that point, the Jets looked like they would break their postseason duck, but the team imploded like old times. They ended the season with a dismal six-game losing streak to be eliminated from the playoff picture. Hence, the franchise has decided that in the 2023 season, they will mean business, and they are out with a vengeance. The first step to their comeback mission is to free up a significant amount of cap space, and so far, they've done well.

The Jets have $10,234,070 in cap space, which is crucial in several days, weeks and months. The Jets will need as much cap space as they can muster as they continue to chase the most expensive player in the NFL: Aaron Rodgers. Let's look at a bunch of free agents the New York Jets snagged to make Rodgers' life much easier (if he eventually comes).

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Three Notable Free Agents New York Jets have signed this off-season

Here are three major free agency signings who could change the trajectory of the New York Jets ahead of 2023 and possibly beyond:

#1 Allen Lazard, WR

Former Green Bay Packers pass-catcher Allen Lazard has agreed a four-year deal worth $44 million that might be a prelude to the Aaron Rodgers trade. That could make Rodgers happy if he becomes the Jets' quarterback. Rodgers reportedly wanted Lazard, and the Jets' front office duly obliged.

Lazard will be entering an offensive system that should be similar to the one he operated in Green Bay. That's because the Jets have former Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett on their roster as an offensive coordinator. Lazard will likely serve as the WR2 for offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson. Scary times indeed for the Jets' divisional and conference rivals in 2022.

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#2 Trystan Colon, Center

In a deal that makes a lot of sense, thanks to the player's flexibility and versatility on the gridiron, Trystan Colon is joining the Jets on a one-year prove-it deal. He will most certainly be relishing the opportunity to bring glory days back to the Jets.

Colon has played 237 career snaps at centre and 52 at right guard. His versatility should be an asset in the later part of the NFL season when starting-calibre players are often too banged to play well.

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#3 Mecole Hardman, WR

Hardman signed a one-year, $6.5 million to play for the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL. Hardman replaces Elijah Moore, who was traded on Wednesday (Mar. 21) to the Cleveland Browns for a second-round pick.

Hardman comes with Super Bowl experience, winning the big game with defending champs Kansas City. Moreover, only one wide receiver has averaged more yards-after-the-catch per reception than Hardman (8.3) since he entered the league in 2019 - Deebo Samuel (9.5).

Mecole Hardman could be an elite weapon for Aaron Rodgers if his home franchise trades the Green Bay Packers legend. Their connection could be a match made in NFL folklore.