New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who played only one game in 2019 because of a neck injury, won't play in 2020 after being placed Tuesday on the physically unable to perform list, the team announced.
This was the expected outcome for Enunwa, 27, whose once-promising NFL career could be over. The Jets also placed wide receiver Josh Bellamy (shoulder) on the season-ending PUP list.
Enunwa missed the 2017 season because of neck surgery, and then reinjured his neck in the 2019 opener. When the season ended, he said he wanted to continue playing but wasn't sure if he would be medically cleared. He continued his rehab into the offseason, but the signs remained ominous. The organization never factored him into its offseason plans.
After a promising 2018, Enunwa landed a four-year, $33.4 million contract extension, but he has played only one game on that deal.
It has put the Jets in a tough position from a salary-cap standpoint. Because of the potential cap ramifications, they have to carry him on their payroll.
Enunwa's 2020 salary ($6 million) is fully guaranteed, and he will count $7.8 million toward the cap. In 2021, $4.1 million of his $7.8 million is guaranteed for injury.
His situation is similar to that of former Seattle Seahawks star Kam Chancellor, who suffered a neck injury in 2017 but remained on the PUP list for the 2018 season because of the cap consequences of releasing him. The Seahawks waited until 2019 to cut him.
Barring a financial settlement, Enunwa's outcome probably will be the same.
Enunwa, a sixth-round pick in 2014, has 119 career receptions for 1,617 yards and five touchdowns. He sparked a controversy last season by using social media to rip team management for fining him $27,900 for missing two mandatory rehab sessions.
Bellamy, due to make $2.25 million in 2020, played only seven games last season because of his shoulder injury. He played mainly on special teams, finishing with two catches for 20 yards.