Veteran DE headlines potential cuts for New York Jets

Whitehead's physicality is useful as the down safety in eight-man boxes, operating closer to the line of scrimmage. But he is less of a "deep safety" in Cover 3 or Cover 4 -- which he had to do more in HC Robert Saleh's defense. 

Luck also played a factor in Whitehead's two interceptions in 2022. One interception was a deep ball that ricocheted to him against the Steelers.

He also received this gift from Josh Allen.

Whitehead has good qualities and isn't an obvious cut. But the Jets could use a safety with more natural coverage ability or versatility to play deep or down safety to further unlock this defense. Juan Thornhill (Chiefs) or Adrian Amos (Packers) would help. New York will save $7.25 million against the cap if Whitehead is cut. 

Braxton Berrios, WR 

In 2022, Berrios had two rushing touchdowns but only 18 catches for 145 yards and zero receiving touchdowns. He had three drops on his 32 targets and one fumble, per Pro Football Reference.  

Berrios had return value in 2021, leading the league in kickoff return average (30.4 yards/return). He wasn't at that level as a returner in 2022, and ended the year on IR. 

Berrios carries an $8,232,500 cap number in 2023, and New York would save $5 million against the cap if he is let go. 

Letting Berrios walk would free cap room, and Elijah Moore could replace his snaps on offense after having a dip in production in 2022. 

Moore could replace some of Berrios' return value in a pinch, too, but the Jets probably need to find a return specialist in the NFL Draft. Moore has only one kick return in the NFL, and only averaged 4.9 yards per punt return and 18.5 yards on kick returns at Ole Miss.