Mike Devito helped the Jets gain a little more salary cap room, and he may have guaranteed himself a job in the process.
The undrafted defensive lineman entering his sixth year in the NFL agreed to reduce his 2012 base salary from $2.26 million to $700,000, according to the Newark Star Ledger.
Brian Costello of the New York Post said the deal was restructured May 2.
Devito, however, still received a $500,000 roster bonus, a $350,000 workout bonus and a $950,000 signing bonus. The Star Ledger reported that it's now very unlikely he's a candidate to be cut, and he has $750,000 in "escalator" money waiting for him based on playing time.
Devito, who started 11 games for the Jets last year, recorded 34 tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles. He had shoulder surgery in January.
Gang Green selected defensive lineman Quinton Coples in the first round of the NFL Draft two weeks ago before cutting Ropati Pitoitua. Jets coach Rex Ryan already said he plans to start Coples, though Devito will likely see plenty of time alongside Coples, Muhammad Wilkerson and Sione Pouha in front of the Jets' multiple defense.
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