Florham Park, New Jersey – The New York Jets are parting ways with injured tight end C.J. Uzomah, a costly addition in 2022, as reported by a source to ESPN. Uzomah, 31, who recently underwent knee surgery, was set to count $11.2 million against the team’s salary cap. By releasing him as a pre-June 1 cut, the Jets will save $5.3 million this year but will face a cap hit of $5.9 million. Despite being expected to play a significant role in the Jets’ offense after signing a lucrative three-year, $24 million contract in 2022, Uzomah struggled to establish himself as a consistent threat in the passing game.
Throughout the 2022 season, Uzomah was primarily utilized as a blocker, tallying 21 receptions for 232 yards. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a serious knee injury sustained in December. The injury included damage to the MCL and meniscus, along with a plateau fracture of the tibia, requiring surgery and ending his season prematurely. Over the course of two seasons with the Jets, Uzomah played in 27 games, recording 29 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns.
Initially signed by the Jets after a standout season with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he achieved personal bests in catches (49), yards (493), and touchdowns (5) while competing in Super Bowl LVI, Uzomah failed to replicate his success in New York. The team has now freed up over $13 million in cap space by releasing Uzomah and fellow high-priced acquisition, guard Laken Tomlinson, from the 2022 offseason. Despite the departure of Uzomah, the Jets are not under pressure to find a replacement as they already have experienced veterans Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert on their roster.