The Jets may be thin at cornerback, but that did not stop them from dumping another one from last season on Saturday.
They released Darryl Roberts, who started 10 games for them last year, clearing $6 million in salary cap space. The timing of the move makes sense with $2 million of Roberts’ 2020 salary scheduled to become guaranteed on Sunday.
Roberts, who signed a three-year, $18 million deal last year, played in 56 games for the Jets over four seasons, starting 26. He played both cornerback and safety for the Jets, who also agreed to a deal with guard/center Josh Andrews on Saturday.
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The release of Roberts means the Jets cut both of their opening day starters at cornerback from last year in the past week. Trumaine Johnson started opposite Roberts to open last season. He was released by the Jets on Wednesday.
While the Jets’ biggest need in the secondary remains cornerback, they added a safety on Saturday. Marqui Christian agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.25 million that could reach $2 million with the team. Christian spent the past four seasons with the Rams after being drafted in the fifth round in 2016 by the Cardinals.
Christian only made one start with the Rams. With the Jets, he likely will be a special-teams contributor and serve as the third safety behind Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. Rontez Miles, who has filled that role in recent years, is a free agent.