New York Jets plan to release tight end C.J. Uzomah
The New York Jets are reportedly releasing tight end C.J. Uzomah this week, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler. The move clears $5.3 million in cap space for the organization that will try to make a playoff push with the return of Aaron Rodgers in 2024.
With his release, Uzomah will be moving into free agency and potentially onto his third team for his 10th season in the league. This season for the Jets, he played in 12 games, tallying eight receptions with 58 yards. He also scored one touchdown, which came in the three-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Uzomah joined the Jets in 2022, signing a three-year deal for $24 million. The contract included a potential out for the team that would save them the $5.3 million in 2024 salary cap space. Last season, he played 15 games, posting 21 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns.
The former fifth-round draft pick out of Auburn began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2021, the season ended with a trip to the Super Bowl. He finished that season with 493 yards on 49 catches with a career-high five touchdown receptions. The Bengals signed Uzomah to one new contract before letting him go in 2022. It was a three-year deal for $18.3 million in 2019.
Next season will be Uzomah’s 10th in the league after going No. 157 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. He’ll turn 32 years old this year. While at Auburn, he was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2013.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The 2024 NFL calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.