Jets Cut This Former Pro Bowler, Now Who Could Be Next On The Chopping Block?
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday night that the Jets are releasing their starting left guard Laken Tomlinson.
Coming off a Pro Bowl season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, New York signed Tomlinson to a three-year, $40 million deal in March of 2022. This seemed like a great addition at the time and while Laken was able to stay healthy over these past two seasons, the former pro bowler struggled to produce at an elite level.
Tomlinson allowed seven sacks on 51 pressures last year, which was the second-most among offensive guards, per Pro Football Focus. His big contract and below-average level of play ultimately led to his departure. As the Jets look to correct what went wrong last season, other than losing Aaron Rodgers, who else could we see the team move on from?
TE C.J. Uzomah
This roster cut feels like it could happen any day now. Tight end C.J. Uzomah also signed with the Jets in 2022. It was a three-year, $24 million deal at the time, and while he showed some promise in Cincinnati, much like Tomlinson, Uzomah has had his struggles in New York.
Tight end Tyler Conklin, who the Jets signed that same offseason as Uzomah, has been far more effective in the green and white. While both tight ends found the endzone three times each over the last two years, over that same span, Conklin has gained 1,173 yards to Uzomah’s 290. Uzomah is also set to account for $11.2 million towards the salary cap this year, which makes this a no-brainer for the Jets.
WR Allen Lazard
This one is more of a longshot since the Jets just signed the former Packer to a four-year, $44 million deal last offseason. With Aaron Rodgers set to return in 2024, I’m sure he’s going to want some familiarity in his first year actually playing football in New York.
However, Allen Lazard had himself a horrendous first season with the Jets. In 14 games, he managed to accumulate only 311 yards on 23 catches while only finding the endzone once. His $12.1 million cap hit also doesn’t do him any favors.
Maybe a contract restructure can help keep Lazard on the roster in 2024, but Gang Green will be in the market for a wide receiver over the next few months. After seeing how that plays out, I have a feeling that Lazard’s job isn’t as safe as it may seem.
QB Zach Wilson
While I can't see the Jets moving on from the former second-overall pick via a roster cut, Zach Wilson is expected to be dealt at some point this offseason. Wilson got another opportunity in the starting role this season, but sadly he was much of the same from years prior.
It's unfortunate because 2023 was supposed to be a season for Zach to sit back and learn from Aaron Rodgers. Instead, he got handed the keys to the car for a third season and ultimately proved why the Jets felt like they needed to trade for a guy like Rodgers in the first place. Wherever Wilson ends up I will be rooting for him as he will be fighting to extend his NFL career.
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