Injured tight end CJ Uzomah, a high-priced free agent signing in 2022, is expected to be released by the New York Jets, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The 31-year-old Ozoma, who had knee surgery, was scheduled to count $11.2 million on the Jets' cap, so the move wasn't a surprise. By taking a cut before June 1, they would save $5.3 million this year, but would be charged a cap hit of $5.9 million.
The Jets won't be pressured to replace Uzomah because they have two veterans on the depth chart — rookie Tyler Conklin and third-year backup Jeremy Ruckert.
Ozuma was expected to be a key part of their offense when he signed a three-year, $24 million contract ($15 million guaranteed) in 2022, but he never earned a consistent role in the passing attack. He was used primarily as a blocker in 2022 (21 catches for 232 yards) and suffered a serious knee injury last season.
On December 3, he suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, as well as a fractured tibial plateau that required season-ending surgery.
In two seasons, Azouma played in 27 games, totaling 29 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns. The Jets signed him after his best season with the Cincinnati Bengals. He set career highs in catches (49), yards (493) and touchdowns (five) and played in Super Bowl LVI. The Jets gained more than $13 million in cap space by releasing Uzomah and guard Laken Tomlinson, two big offseason signings from 2022.
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