New York Jets to release former Miami wide receiver Braxton Berrios

After failing to agree on a contract restructure, the New York Jets are reportedly releasing former Miami receiver Braxton Berrios, according to Adam Schefter.

The move frees up $5 million in cap space for the 2023 season. Considering the Jets are in talks to make potentially the biggest trade of the offseason for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they can use all the cap space they can get.

Berrios, a former sixth-round draft pick, played four seasons with the Jets after going No. 210 overall to New England in 2018. Last offseason, he signed a two-year deal with a payout of $12 million. His initial deal with the Patriots was for four years, $2.57 million.

The former Hurricanes standout had his best season in 2021, totaling 431 yards on 46 receptions with two touchdowns. He also added 40 yards and two more scores in the ground game.

A punt and kickoff returner, Berrios scored on a kickoff return in 2021, which was the first of his NFL career. With 47 returns, he’s racked up over 1,500 all-purpose return yards in four years.

Berrios now has the opportunity to find a new home when the league new year hits on March 15. Per NFL’s rankings, he was the No. 7 return man in the league last season.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially run out, making those players free agents.

Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7. Beginning March 13 through March 15 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits.