In a recent acquisition move, the New York Jets welcomed Haason Reddick to their already formidable edge rusher room. However, ESPN's Rich Cimini has raised questions about the future of John Franklin-Myers, suggesting that he could be the odd-man out due to his hefty $16.4 million cap charge.

Cimini argues that with the addition of Reddick, the Jets could potentially part ways with Franklin-Myers, especially since they would be able to shed his significant cap hit. While Reddick may not be a direct stylistic replacement for Franklin-Myers, the Jets could compensate for his absence by increasing the role of promising prospect Will McDonald.

Despite being labeled as reliable but not flashy, Franklin-Myers brings hidden value to the team. His statistical performance may not stand out, with just 3.5 sacks in the 2023 season. However, a closer look at game film reveals his impact, particularly in run defense.

According to Pro Football Focus, Franklin-Myers received a 64.3 run defense grade, ranking 38th out of 73 qualified edge defenders. His run stop rate was 71st, and his average depth of tackle was 58th. Although these numbers might suggest an average performance at best, Franklin-Myers' contribution goes beyond statistics.

Film analysis reveals Franklin-Myers' ability to seal the edge, disrupt blocking schemes, and create traffic for opposing ball carriers. He consistently demonstrates strong leverage and brute strength, often overpowering offensive tackles and tight ends. His presence significantly affects the success rate of opposing run plays, particularly when deployed on the left side of the defensive line.

Additionally, Franklin-Myers has showcased his effectiveness as an interior pass rusher. Though his 2023 season saw him perform above average as an edge rusher, his historical numbers indicate dominance from the interior. He has consistently outperformed the positional average in pressure rates, making him a valuable asset for the Jets.

Considering the potential cap savings of $10.7 million by releasing Franklin-Myers, Cimini suggests that the Jets may consider parting ways with him. However, the likelihood of this move appears slim, as the acquisition of Reddick was made with the intention of strengthening the roster, not replacing Franklin-Myers. Furthermore, Reddick's smaller frame and different skill set cannot replicate the same level of dominance in run defense.

The Jets may instead explore options to restructure Franklin-Myers' contract, potentially freeing up cap space in the short term. This would allow them to retain his services while navigating the financial landscape. Alternatively, the team could choose to maintain his current contract and revisit negotiations in 2025.

If the Jets do decide to move on from Franklin-Myers, it is more likely to be through a trade. His versatility as both an interior and edge rusher would garner interest from other teams, despite his $13.9 million cap hit. High-caliber interior pass rushers are a valuable commodity in the league.

As the Jets head into the 2024 season, the distribution of snaps among their edge defenders remains an intriguing question. With the addition of Reddick, the emergence of McDonald, and the dependable presence of Franklin-Myers, the team will need to strike a balance to maximize the potential of their defensive line.

The final verdict on Franklin-Myers' future with the Jets is yet to be seen. As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts will be closely watching how the team approaches the situation and handles their edge rusher room.