With the Jets expected to sign Anthony Barr, the team is apparently looking to move on from one of their current linebackers. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily Post reports that the team sought a linebacker upgrade “with the hope of ultimately moving on” from former first-rounder Darron Lee.
To be clear, it doesn’t necessarily sound like Barr will replace Lee in the literal sense. The free agent addition is expected to be an “off-ball” linebacker, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter), a role that Barr’s familiar with from his days at UCLA. As Mehta explains, new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was seeking a linebacker who would play a role that was similar to Jamie Collins‘ in Cleveland last season.
Still, the Jets are expected to team up Barr with Avery Williamson and then “explore their remaining options for Lee,” according to Mehta. The 24-year-old hasn’t emerged as a bona fide playmaker during his three seasons in the NFL. Lee did tally 94 tackles and three sacks in 2017, but he took a step back in 2018, finishing with 74 tackles and no sacks in 12 games (he did compile a career-high three interceptions).
The linebacker was suspended for the final four games of the 2018 season after violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Mehta writes that the suspension “triggered a forfeiture of his guaranteed money,” meaning the Jets could move on from Lee without taking a significant financial hit. The defender is set to make $1.8MM in 2019.
Does this mean theyll trade Darron Lee or simply cut him?
He had a solid year last year until the suspension.
They will trade him
Might want to pair him win Leonard Williams and try and get a mid first. Some teams need a pass rusher and project linebacker. There were a lot of rumors around them shopping Williams
interesting thought. i dont know how I feel about shopping williams if theyre just going to draft to try and fill the hole he leaves. i wouldnt mind trading lee though
Also could package Lee with kelvin beachum and a third (Nola’s) for a first and draft Dillard/Williams/ or Little.
Never understood the Lee draft pick.
Gregg Williams already stated they will not be trading Leonard Williams