Jets take baby steps on cap woes, restructure Carpenter

One down, a bunch to go.

Last week, we alluded to the dreadful salary-cap situation the New York Jets are currently in, particularly after signing nose tackle Steve McLendon and defensive end Jarvis Jenkins. 

Wednesday, Gang Green took a step in the right direction, restructuring James Carpenter's contract.

According to the Daily News, the team freed up $2.5 million in cap space by turning more than $3 million of Carpenter's salary for this season into a signing bonus.

There's still plenty of work to be done, however, especially if the Ryan Fitzpatrick negotiations are ever finalized.

Per the News:

"The Jets could make more room by making similar restructures with players like Eric Decker or Buster Skrine, or they could either cut D'Brickashaw Ferguson or ask him to take a pay cut."

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Jets shore up O-line, backfield with Carpenter, Powell

The New York Jets had a busy start to free agency, with pick-ups of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Marshall leading the headlines. The team made less jaw-dropping moves throughout the day too, shoring up some key needs on the offensive side of the ball.

The team signed both James Carpenter and Bilal Powell Tuesday, filling a hole on the offensive line and securing their backfield in respective signings.

Carpenter, who spent the past four years with the Seattle Seahawks, reportedly inked his deal for four years, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. The move adds a guard to the Jets' weak group that will likely see Willie Colon head elsewhere, as he's currently a free agent.

The deal with Powell, who's been with Gang Green since he was drafted back in 2011, keeps the one-two duo of he and Chris Ivory alive, while still leaving the door open for another big splash for the backfield. the 26-year-old's one-year contract is reportedly worth $2 million.

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