The C.J. Uzomah Era is officially over in Philadelphia, as the Eagles cut the veteran early Wednesday morning. After starting his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, the former fifth-round pick spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets before joining Philadelphia on a one-year, $1.38 million deal. Joining a crowded depth chart led by Dallas Goedert, Uzomah couldn’t justify a roster spot with the Eagles, but he could find work somewhere else.
At his peak, Uzomah was a reliable tight end who could hold his own as a receiver and a blocker. While those days might be in the past, the Auburn product can still play a depth role in the right offense. Even though the Eagles cut him, it shouldn’t be long before C.J. Uzomah finds work with a team that could use more depth at the position. While multiple teams could use a tight end, the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers make the most sense.
Eagles released veteran TE C.J. Uzomah.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2024
Panthers, Chargers Could Sign C.J. Uzomah After Eagles Cut
The Carolina Panthers had too many holes to address in just one offseason. While first-year Dave Canales understandably focused on the offensive line and wide receiver, he didn’t do much to address the tight end position. Fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders has some pass-catching upside, but he probably won’t be a three-down player as a rookie. This leaves Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas battling for snaps, and C.J. Uzomah could easily make this roster cut.
Even if Uzomah isn’t the player he once was, the former Eagle can still contribute to this depth chart. Tommy Tremble is an unremarkable journeyman while Ian Thomas is an active liability. Uzomah won’t need to be a superstar here, as Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and first-round pick Xavier Legette can handle the bulk of the pass-catching duties. However, the recently cut veteran can provide some much-needed depth, and Uzomah could even serve as a mentor and pseudo-coach for Sanders.
Chargers Find More Help
They say football is the ultimate team sport and no one player can singlehandedly guide teams to a win. That theory will be put to the test when Justin Herbert suits up in Week 1. While head coach Jim Harbaugh reinforced the offensive line with first-round pick Joe Alt, the Chargers lack a proven pass-catcher to replace Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. While the questionable wide receiver room steals plenty of headlines, the Chargers tight end situation is equally bleak.
If the season started today, Los Angeles would enter the season with Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly battling for starting snaps. This isn’t ideal, especially considering former Charger Gerald Everett is reportedly outshining Cole Kmet in Chicago. C.J. Uzomah won’t transform this offense, but the veteran should be able to make the 53-man roster cut. His ability to do an adequate job as both a receiver and a blocker will go far with Harbaugh, an old-school coach who believes wholeheartedly in the value of the run game.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
