The Jets gave Holmes a superstar wide receiver deal, when he is more of a clutch wide receiver than a true #1. Now, they want Holmes to help them get some salary cap relief.
According to ESPN, Holmes is scheduled to make $11.25 million next year, with $7.5 million guaranteed. If he is cut he still gets the $7.5 million, but only if another team pays him that much. He doesn’t get the $7.5 million in addition to a new contract with another team.
So, the Jets have a little leverage, because if he is cut and can’t make at least $7.5 million on open market he is screwed.