The New York Jets make another key cap-clearing move
Not long after releasing Laken Tomlinson to open up $8.1 million in cap space, the New York Jets have made another cut for significant savings. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are expected to release tight end C.J. Uzomah, which will save $5.3 million in cap space.
#Jets expected to release tight end C.J. Uzomah, per sources. Move will save $5-plus million on the cap.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 5, 2024
According to Spotrac, the Jets now have $27.5 million in cap space, ranking 18th in the NFL.
Uzomah’s release concludes a highly disappointing tenure that began with lofty expectations when the Jets signed him to a three-year, $24 million contract in March 2022. In 27 games, Uzomah only recorded 29 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns. This includes a nightmare season in 2023 that featured eight receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. Uzomah was benched in the second half of the season.
On top of the lackluster receiving impact, Uzomah struggled as a blocker, frequently missing key blocks in both the run and pass games. Going forward, New York needs to prioritize getting better blocking out of the tight end position.
The Jets’ tight end unit is down to Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, and Zack Kuntz. New York will almost certainly add at least one more player to the room this offseason. They could stand to add a talented blocker who is capable of pushing Ruckert, as the former third-round pick was inconsistent as a blocker in 2023. Conklin figures to reprise his role as the TE1, barring a surprising move (such as drafting Brock Bowers in the first round).
