Jets want D’Brickashaw Ferguson to take pay cut
D'Brickashaw Ferguson #60 New York Jets speaks to the media in the locker room after team practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. Credit: James Escher
It was only a matter of time before the Jets asked D’Brickashaw Ferguson to take one for the team.
According to a source, the organization recently talked to the veteran left tackle about taking a pay cut for the upcoming season.
The Freeport native, 32, is due a base salary of $8.625 million, plus several bonuses in 2016 that add up to a $14.1-million cap hit — the highest of any NFL offensive lineman.
It’s unclear how significant a reduction the Jets are asking for, but Ferguson’s age, performance and NFL longevity are the driving factors behind their decision.
It was a foregone conclusion that the team would seek to restructure some of their big-money contracts, but the organization wasn’t in any rush to tinker with Ferguson’s. His workout bonus ($750,000) isn’t due until June and he isn’t scheduled to earn his $1-million roster bonus until the end of training camp.
Though the Jets would stand to save $9.1 million by cutting Ferguson, that outcome is highly unlikely. Ferguson, the fourth overall pick in 2006, has been working out at the team’s facility this offseason and is currently their best option at left tackle.
The Jets, however, did take a look at other offensive lineman during free agency. They brought in former Steelers tackle Kelvin Beachum for a visit last month, but he ultimately signed with Jacksonville.
Jets expected to sign WR Ross. A source confirmed the team plans to sign wide receiver Jeremy Ross, pending a physical. The 28-year-old was a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Oakland Raiders chose not to offer him a tender. Since going undrafted in 2011, Ross has spent time with the Patriots, Colts, Packers, Lions, Ravens and Raiders. He’s served as a backup receiver, kick and punt returner throughout his career.
