The Jets have opened up some additional cap space by releasing tight end Jeff Cumberland, according to Seth Walder of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). The move will create $1.9MM in cap savings, since that was the amount of Cumberland’s base salary, which was non-guaranteed.
Cumberland, 28, caught a total of 78 passes for the Jets from 2012 to 2014, starting 38 games for the team during that stretch and racking up 10 touchdowns. However, he saw his role in the offense significantly reduced last season, as Ryan Fitzpatrick rarely looked to throw to his tight ends. Cumberland had just five receptions on 14 targets in 2015.
Because he’s a vested veteran, Cumberland will immediately become a free agent with the ability to sign anywhere else once the move is made official by the Jets. New York, meanwhile, may be in the market for tight end help this offseason, even with Jace Amaro returning from a season-ending injury.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.