There was one big question looming after the Jets released linebacker Calvin Pace, safety Eric Smith and tackle Jason Smith on Tuesday.
Where’s Bart Scott’s name?
The linebacker has long been rumored as a prime candidate for a pink slip as the Jets move to get in compliance with the salary cap ahead of the March 12 deadline, but was not included in the initial round of cuts. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that Scott’s agent is set to meet with the Jets on Thursday to discuss a pay cut that would lower Scott’s current $7 million cap figure while also keeping him on the roster.
The big question for Scott is whether or not he’ll be able to land a bigger offer on the open market than the Jets are willing to pay him. That makes the situation a prime chance for tampering since Scott won’t know what to expect from other teams unless his agent does some back channel work to find out what other teams, perhaps the one in Buffalo with former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine running the defense, might be thinking in terms of a salary for the veteran.
We imagine Scott can’t wait to find out the answer to that question so he knows what answer to give the Jets on Thursday.
UPDATE: 2:35 p.m. ET: Actually, it was the Jets who couldn’t wait. They’ve announced that Scott has also been released.