5 NY Jets veterans who may lose their job to younger players

3. C.J. Uzomah, TE, NY Jets

C.J. Uzomah may not have put up flashy numbers in his first year with the Jets, but the former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick still filled a valuable role in the team's offense.

Uzomah finished the season with 21 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns, playing 53 percent of the Jets' offensive snaps and serving an important role as a reliable blocking tight end.

That's the role Uzomah is expected to fill again in 2023. Alongside Tyler Conklin, Uzomah hopes to give the Jets a tandem of capable tight ends to incorporate into new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's offense.

Uzomah's role isn't 100 percent safe, however. Keep an eye on 2022 third-round pick Jeremy Ruckert.

Ruckert was reportedly one of the stars of OTAs this spring, and the Jets believe that the former Ohio State standout could be ready to take on a larger role in 2023. If that's the case, Uzomah might see his snap share decrease.

It isn't uncommon for young tight ends to struggle to contribute early in their NFL careers. Ruckert essentially put together a redshirt season in 2022. A full offseason of development seems to have done wonders, though.

If the Jets believe Ruckert is able to contribute now, they might try to incorporate him into the offense at the expense of Uzomah. That could cost Uzomah snaps in 2023 and, eventually, his job next season.

C.J. Uzomah is still an important piece in the Jets' offensive equation, but Jeremy Ruckert could provide competition for playing time in the very near future.