Current Cap Situation

For the first time in what seems to be forever, the Jets are finally not in salary cap purgatory heading into the offseason.  If played right, the Jets are poised to make a splash in free agency and the draft promising a wild offseason to come.  Expect GM John Idzik to build on his team through solid free agent acquisitions and strong selection in the draft.  Two free agents, tackle Austin Howard and kicker Nick Folk, are practically locks to be resigned, or at minimum one of them is at least worthy of the infamous franchise tag.  Coming off injury-plagued and unproductive seasons it is likely cornerback Antonio Cromartie and wide receiver Santonio Holmes will be cut, as well as embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez.  By cutting these 3 players alone the Jets will save approximately 25 million dollars in cap space, setting them up to sign one or two elite players that could potentially launch the Jets into the postseason.  Now let's break down the cap situation by position:

Offense:

Quarterback - It is no secret the Jets are being choked by Mark Sanchez's whopping 13.1 million dollar cap charge.  Expect the team to part ways with the famed "Sanchize" saving them a total of 8.3 million in cap space.  Also do not expect the team to resign Sanchez as a backup/insurance policy as it is time for both parties to head in a totally new direction.

Running Back - This is not a position of concern for the Jets heading into the offseason.  With Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory producing steady numbers at a low cap number the Jets are content, at least for now.  However Mike Goodson faces a strong possibility of being cut after trouble with the law and an injury that cost him the majority of the 2013 campaign.

Wide Receiver/Tight End - Even the casual Jet fan understands how important getting this position right this offseason will be for the future of the organization.  Santonio Holmes will no doubt be cut saving the Jets 8.25 million, but the money will most likely be immediately reinvested in a top free agent at the position (Jeremy Maclin or Eric Decker).  Look for the Jets to try and resign tight end Jeff Cumberland to a low-cap deal.  Instead of shelling out money via free agency for a mediocre tight end, GM John Idzik is more likely to go out and draft a tight end possibly in the first round (Jace Amaro of Texas Tech or Eric Ebron of UNC).

Offensive Line - The Jets already have a lot of resources tied up on the o line.  Left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold command a combined 18.9 million in cap space.  It is also paramount for the team to resign right tackle Austin Howard who will likely obtain a deal in the 4 to 6 million dollar cap range.  This being said the Jets will most likely try and find a low cost option at guard, possibly allowing free agent Willie Colon to walk.

Defense:

Defensive Line - There is no doubt the defensive line is the nucleus of the New York Jets.  Currently all of the d-linemen are young studs still playing on their rookie contracts or low-cap commanding deals.  This will soon one day blossom into a position of much concern for the Jets in finding a way to pay and keep all of these players, but for now they are fine.  Defensive end Muhammed Wilkerson could find himself receiving a major pay day this offseason.  The Jets would be smart to suck it up and come to a long-term contract extension with Wilkerson.  Coming off a dominating breakout season, it will be cheaper in the long run to resign Wilkerson now, not to mention it will definitely keep him happy.

Linebacker - Only three starters are currently under contract (David Harris, Demario Davis, and Quinton Coples).  Expect the Jets to try and resign veteran Calvin Pace, or a similar veteran through free agency.  Although unlikely it is possible the Jets could cut David Harris to save a total of 5 million in cap room, but leaving a gaping hole in a run defense that served as the backbone of the team.

Cornerback - It seems as though Antonio Cromartie will be a cap casualty this offseason unless he is willing to restructure his deal.  At 14.98 million the Jets will certainly part ways with Cromartie at that number if need be.  Coming off the worst season of his career it remains to be seen whether he will willingly restructure his deal with the green and white to a more fair and cap friendly deal.

Safety - This is a very intriguing position for the Jets heading into the offseason.  Safety Dawan Landry could possibly be cut to make room for an elite replacement, although the Jets would only be saving 1.5 million in space.  The Jets seem to shop low cost in the safety department under coach Rex Ryan but that could change this offseason as the Jets are at major need for a playmaker in the secondary.  Expect the Jets to try and sign a Jairus Bird (if the Bills are dumb enough to let him walk) or a T.J. Ward in free agency.

Special Teams:

The Jets will most likely use their franchise tag for the first time since the 2011 season this year. Following an excellent season, kicker Nick Folk will most likely obtain the franchise tag if a deal cannot be reached with the team.  This is the safest and most intelligent option for the Jets as the franchise tag on a kicker would only cost them a fraction of the money a long-term contract could cost for Folk.