Early Roster Cut Projections: Brandon Stephens and Michael Carter II
The writing seems to be on the wall. Michael Carter II and Brandon Stephens could be on their way out of East Rutherford, NJ in 2026.
When it comes to cutting players, two things are crucial: cash and cap space. Unfortunately, Stephens has his entire 2026 salary guaranteed, but it would be prudent just to cut bait to allow the growth of a young player and open up a roster spot.
In the case of Michael Carter II, it’s a two-fold issue. Injuries have come to him in the last two seasons, and he may not fit the way Aaron Glenn wants to win.
Post-June 1 cuts
When it comes time to cut players, a team can flat-out release them, or they can use a post-June 1 designation. Using a post-June 1 designation doesn’t open up cap space until June 2, but it does open up roster spots, and it allows immediate free agency for the players.
In the case of Stephens, if they do release him, the Jets would undoubtedly use the post-June 1 designation. Stephens will count $14 million against the cap until June 2. On June 2, there would be a cap savings of $510,000.
Cutting Carter II would initially cost the Jets $12,250,000 in cap space. However, he would net a return of $9.666 million on June 2.
In 2027, Michael Carter II would carry a dead cap charge of $2.4 million, and Brandon Stephens would count $6 million against the cap.
In addition to the articles I’ve written so far, after those two cuts, and likely Gus Hartwig, the Jets would have a Week 1 cap space projection of $58,806,227 for Week 1. This would cover the remaining free agents and players from the draft that make the team (17 spots), dead money from camp cuts, and elevations from the practice squad during the season.