NFL

Jeff Cumberland just good enough that Jets picked his replacement

As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.

No. 20: Jeff Cumberland

Last year’s ranking: 24

Position: Tight end

Age: 27

How acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2010

Years left on contract: 3

2014 salary cap figure: $1.9 million

Looking back at 2013: Cumberland became the primary tight end for the team in 2013. He split time with Kellen Winslow early, but then became the main man. He finished with 26 catches for 398 yards and four touchdowns.

Cumberland had some big games for the Jets. His best game was against the Falcons when he had 79 yards and a score in a Jets upset victory. Cumberland, a college wide receiver, has become a better blocker over the past two years, enabling the team to leave him on the field on running downs.

The Jets gave Cumberland a good opportunity in 2013. He did well, but not quite well enough to give the Jets the belief he could be a star at tight end.

Outlook for 2014: Cumberland agreed to a three-year, $5.7 million extension in March, assuring he’ll be here for a while. But the Jets took Jace Amaro in the second round of the draft, a much more dynamic pass-catcher than Cumberland who threatens to drastically cut Cumberland’s playing time.

Teams use more than one tight end, so Cumberland will still play plenty, but his reception numbers figure to dip drastically. Watching the spring practices, it is clear the Jets have big plans for Amaro in the offense, leaving Cumberland watching most of the time.