Gang Green drops WR Kerley, TE Cumberland

Changes on the offensive side of the football have been aplenty for the New York Jets at the start of free agency.

Following the departure of Chris Ivory -- with the subsequent addition of running back Matt Forte -- Gang Green released a pair of receivers Wednesday.

According to ESPN.com, the Jets released Jeremy Kerley and tight end Jeff Cumberland, creating a little more than $3 million in cap space.

Per Rich Cimini:

"As a result, they will start the league year with approximately $10 million in space. It probably won't be enough to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and others, so you can expect more moves and/or restructured contracts."

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Jets' Cumberland settling into role as 'that veteran guy'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

When tight end Jeff Cumberland joined the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie in 2010, he had then third-year pass-catcher Dustin Keller and seventh-year journeyman Ben Hartsock to lean on.

Last year, he had former Pro-Bowler Kellen Winslow at his disposal.

In 2014, Cumberland is on his own. Or, at least, he's now the one being leaned on.

Jets lock up tight end Cumberland for three years

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tight end Jeff Cumberland wasn't an absolute need for the New York Jets, but he was more help than hurt.

Gang Green saw him as a pre-free agency priority and re-signed the 26-year-old to a three-year contract Friday, per multiple media outlets.

Cumberland spent a majority of the last four seasons more or less backing up Dustin Keller and Kellen Winslow, though thanks to injury and suspensions of teammates, he started 24 games and tallied 58 receptions for 795 yards and seven touchdowns.

Cumberland now expected to sit with concussion

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Monday, it was reported New York Jets tight end Jeff Cumberland sustained a "mild" concussion the day before in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and he was expected to be available this coming weekend.

Apparently the concussion wasn't quite mild enough.

Cumberland is now considered no-go when Gang Green hosts the New Orleans Saints Sunday, according to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.

Jets' tight end situation still somewhat in limbo

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Rex Ryan said earlier this week that Jeff Cumberland is the New York Jets' starting tight end. That's fine and dandy, but we're still well over a month from the beginning of training camp.

Cumberland tidied up his run-blocking skills last year and showed some ability in the pass-catching department in filling in for the injured and now departed Dustin Keller. He hauled in 29 catches and three touchdowns during different stints as the starter.

The Jets, however, are still leaving the door open at the position. (photo: Andrew Morrell, Flickr)

Jets put low-level tender on TE Jeff Cumberland

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Jeff Cumberland, not Dustin Keller, was the New York Jets' leading tight end in 2012. And Cumberland just might have a better shot at being on New York's roster this upcoming season.

According to Connor Orr of the Star-Ledger, the Jets tendered Cumberland, a restricted free agent, Friday.

They put the lowest-level tender on the second-year tight end, which is worth $1.32 million and would allow the Jets to match the offer of another team if Cumberland was sought out. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

The Jets, however, wouldn't receive a compensatory draft pick if Cumberland were to receive an offer from another squad that the Jets didn't counter.

Cumberland caught 29 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns last year in spelling for the oft-injured Keller. Keller hauled in 28 receptions for 317 yards and two touchdowns. It is worth noting, however, that Keller was targeted just 36 times to Cumberland's 53.

Gang Green's brass reportedly met with Keller's camp at the NFL Combine last month, though he said he's only personally heard from new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

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Sanchez: Return of Keller 'huge' for Jets' offense

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets' offense took a big hit when quarterback Mark Sanchez's favorite target, tight end Dustin Keller, was injured Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

But at 2-3 and not totally out of the picture, Gang Green will likely get Keller back into the equation just in time to face the Indianapolis Colts.

"It's huge. That's great news," Sanchez told reporters Wednesday. "He looked good in practice today."

Not only does Keller's return give Sanchez the comfort of having his go-to pass-catcher at his disposal, but the fourth-year signal-caller created a little chemistry with backup tight end Jeff Cumberland during Keller's absence, creating a possible two-pronged receiving tight end tandem for Sanchez to work with.