NY Jets upgrade at TE by signing fan-favorite C.J. Uzomah

The NY Jets went into the offseason knowing that they needed to address the tight end position in a big way. That started on Monday when they reportedly agreed to terms with free agent C.J. Uzomah.

As first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets have signed Uzomah to a three-year, $24 million contract. The longtime Cincinnati Bengals tight end will be a welcome addition to a Jets tight end room that has been desperate for talent in recent years.

The Jets were rumored to be heavily exploring the tight end market in free agency, and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo insists they might not be done yet. Even if the Jets don't add another tight end in free agency, expect them to circle back in the draft.

Uzomah is an instant upgrade at tight end and someone who might quickly become a fan favorite in New York. For as good of a player as he is on the field, he was even more beloved for his off-field leadership in Cincinnati.

NY Jets fans are going to love C.J. Uzomah

A fifth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Uzomah has spent his entire seven-year career in Cincinnati. Despite being the team's primary starter for the better part of the last four years, he's never recorded more than 500 yards in a season.

He's put together a few good seasons and has long been a reliable contributor in the Bengals' offense. Apart from being a respectable blocker, the Jets love Uzomah's upside as a move tight end who can make plays in open space.

Uzomah thrives with the ball in his hands and could maximize his potential in a Mike LaFleur scheme that emphasizes that aspect of his game.

The 29-year-old missed most of the 2020 season due to a torn Achilles, but he returned to full health in 2021 and put together the best year of his career hauling in 49 catches for 493 yards and five touchdowns.

Uzomah was beloved by Bengals fans, players, and coaches alike for his on and off-field leadership. You'd be hard-pressed to find a single person inside or outside that organization with a bad thing to say about him.

The Jets are getting a high-character locker room leader and fan favorite, and someone who happens to be a pretty good tight end as well, in C.J. Uzomah. Another strong signing for Joe Douglas.