The New York Jets are in an excellent position against the salary cap heading into the 2025 campaign. With training camp slated to begin in less than three weeks, GM Darren Mougey is equipped with approximately $29.7 million in cap space, per OverTheCap. That’s partially thanks to team-friendly contracts all throughout the roster.
With that in mind, we’ve identified the five most team-friendly deals on Mougey’s team, rookies excluded.
Sauce Gardner, CB
Though the Jets are in negotiations with Gardner over a lucrative extension, he’ll be a team-friendly asset in 2025. The former Cincinnati standout carries the third-largest cap charge on the Jets, but that number is a manageable $10.6 million. That’s a bargain for a superstar cornerback of Gardner’s abilities.
Garrett Wilson, WR
It’s a similar situation with Wilson, a fellow first-round pick in 2022. The Jets’ primary pass catcher will cost Mougey just $6.5 million versus the cap this season. Wilson will eventually sign a massive contract extension, but the Jets are taking advantage of his rookie contract.
Justin Fields, QB
Justin Fields was signed to a two-year, $40 million contract to be the Jets’ bridge quarterback this season (and possibly next). Fields’ contract was structured in a team-friendly manner. His $20 million average annual salary is low among starting QBs, but his 2025 cap charge of $8 million is even lower.
Olu Fashanu, LT
Olu Fashanu is entering his sophomore campaign, his first as the unquestioned starter at left tackle. In Year Two of a four-year rookie contract, the former Penn State standout costs $4.6 million this season. The Jets want to see Fashanu develop into a cost-effective left tackle.
Will McDonald IV, EDGE
Will McDonald IV broke out as a sophomore to record 10.5 sacks last season. Entering his third campaign, he’ll cost Mougey just $4.4 million in 2025. McDonald is a developing pass rusher, and head coach Aaron Glenn is fortunate to have his team-friendly talent on the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets 2025 roster: 5 most team-friendly contracts