While the Jets are targeting several new starters up front, they want to retain at least one blocker who started for the 2019 team.
The Jets are looking to re-sign Alex Lewis, according to Adam Caplan of InsidetheBirds.com. New Jets GM Joe Douglas traded for Lewis in early August of last year, and after Kelechi Osemele‘s injury, the newly acquired guard stepped into the starting lineup. Lewis started 12 games for the Jets last season, becoming one of the few constants up front.
Gang Green faces the unusual prospect of its five Week 1 starters from last year — Kelvin Beachum, Osemele, Ryan Kalil, Brian Winters and Brandon Shell — not being on the 2020 team. Winters is under contract but looms as a release candidate, with a cut saving the Jets $7.3MM. Winters could stay via pay cut, but the Jets are set for a major overhaul up front nonetheless.
The Jets were rumored to be high on a second Lewis contract, despite the Ravens previously set to cut the then-fourth-year player during training camp. Lewis met the necessary conditions that will send a 2020 seventh-round pick to Baltimore, Caplan adds. The former fourth-round Ravens pick graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 57 overall guard last season.
An OL overhaul worked for the Bills last year. As long as you have the cap space,(which they do), it can be done in one offseason.