The New York Jets will be in the market for additional depth in the defensive backfield this offseason. The team announced on Tuesday that it has declined the option to bring back reserve safety Terrence Brooks for the final year of his contract.
We've declined contract options on DT Mike Pennel and S Terrence Brooks.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 19, 2019
New York also released defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who started 10 games the past two seasons after being claimed off waivers from the Green Bay Packers in March 2017.
Brooks played in 16 games last season, mostly on special teams, totaling just 10 tackles. He was traded to the Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles on August 27th, 2017 in exchange for cornerback Bradley McDougle.
Brooks entered the NFL in 2014 as a third-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens after four years at Florida State. His rookie season ended early after tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee during a December game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baltimore cut Brooks in early September 2016; he was picked up off waivers by Philadelphia days later.
The Jets save approximately $1.8 million in cap room this offseason by cutting Brooks. Though the fifth-year man was a fixture on special teams units last season, the writing has long been on the wall for his future with the team given his limited role and the savings New York would incur by cutting him.
Starters strong safety Jamal Adams, a Pro Bowler in 2018, and free safety Marcus Maye are both under contract with the Jets through the 2020 season.
The Jets, 4-12, finished 24th in passing yards allowed last season.
Adam Gase was introduced as the team's new head coach in January.
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