Source: Jets expected to release TE Uzomah

Injured tight end C.J. Uzomah, a pricey free agent signing in 2022, is expected to be released by the New York Jets, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Uzomah, 31, coming off knee surgery, was due to count $11.2 million on the Jets' cap, so the move comes as no surprise. By making him a pre-June 1 cut, they will save $5.3 million this year, but will incur a $5.9 million cap hit.

The Jets won't be pressed to replace Uzomah because they have two veterans on the depth chart -- starter Tyler Conklin and third-year backup Jeremy Ruckert.

Uzomah 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 gained a consistent role in the passing attack. He was used primarily as a blocker in 2022 (21 catches for 232 yards) and he suffered a serious knee injury last season.

On Dec. 3, he suffered MCL and meniscus damage, plus a plateau fracture of the tibia that required season-ending surgery.

In two seasons, Uzomah 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 he played in Super Bowl LVI. The Jets have cleared more than $13 million in cap space by releasing Uzomah and guard Laken Tomlinson, two of their big off-season signings from 2022.