Roster News: Jets release Johnson, lose Canady

Happy New Year! The new league year got underway less than half an hour ago and the Jets didn't waste any time making this expected move:

We have released CB Trumaine Johnson.

📰 https://t.co/z95iHd5PcI

— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 18, 2020

The Jets would ordinarily save $3 million of cap space by making this move, but the fact they waited obviously means they plan to treat this as a post-June cut to create an additional $8 million of current year cap room (with the same amount hitting next year's cap as a dead money hit).

It goes without saying that the Johnson signing ended up being a disaster but he might not be the last starting cornerback the Jets cut this week. Darryl Roberts has $2 millon of guarantees set to crystallize on Sunday so could also be released or forced to take a paycut before then.

They already lost one cornerback today:

#Cowboys have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with CB Maurice Canady, source says. Had three starts in 13 games with the #Jets and #Ravens last year.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2020

Canady had started a few games down the stretch and done quite well so his loss is a bit of a blow. Blessuan Austin and Nate Hairston remain on the team with Kyron Brown a candidate to compete for a role in camp and restricted free agent Arthur Maulet perhaps set to return. However, this is a position the Jets should address further in free agency and/or the draft.