After signing a two-year deal with the New York Jets under a year ago, offensive tackle Ryan Clady is already making his way out of New York. This news comes just after reports of a slight restructure to Clady’s contract, which essentially turned what would’ve been an option bonus into a fully guaranteed roster bonus.
Ryan Clady is a free agent after Jets pass on contract option
The Jets cut ties less than a year after signing Ryan Clady in free agency.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
This news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Jets save $10 million in salary cap money, with no dead money, by opting not to pick up the offensive tackle’s contract option.
The restructure is likely one of the main reasons why New York severed ties with Clady — had the team kept him on the roster, Clady would automatically receive a $1 million bonus on Feb. 15, regardless of whether he would suit up for a single game next season.
Considering Clady turns 31 in September, it seems the Jets just weren’t willing to take the financial risk of guaranteeing money to a guy who only started eight games last year. Clady has only played in 26 games over the past four years, so it seems sensible the Jets would part ways with the offensive tackle rather than pay him over $10 million in the upcoming season.
Before injuries derailed his career, Clady was one of the NFL’s premiere offensive linemen. The tackle is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time-All Pro, with two first team All-Pro designations. Clady also earned himself a ring in Denver, winning Super Bowl 50, though the tackle was placed on injured reserve well before training camp, with issues stemming from a previous ACL injury.
It’s possible the Jets bring Clady back, or another team — perhaps a Super Bowl hopeful missing a piece or two on the offensive line — makes a play for the veteran tackle, but none will likely offer him anywhere near the $10 million he was set to earn this season. Clady isn’t the athlete he once was earlier in his career, but he’s still a solid veteran presence who can hold his own at the left tackle position. In a league where offensive line play seems to be worsening by the year, that’s worth something.
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