The New York Jets have done a fantastic job adding defensive pieces to the equation this season, drafting Sauce Gardner and Jermaine Johnson in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. However, there’s always more to be done, which is indicated by the Jets’ potential interest in former Saints linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Head coach Robert Saleh indicated that he’s content with how the off-season has gone, but there’s always room for improvement.
“We’re better, and I know we’re going to be better,” head coach Robert Saleh said last week. “We’re young, we’re a year older, we brought in some really cool pieces, a lot of guys who stand for the right stuff, who live and breathe football. Now it’s just a matter of continuing to gain that continuity and confidence and, again, just take it one game at a time.”
According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the Jets are still intrigued by Alexander, who is currently a free agent.
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What would Kwon Alexander bring to the Jets?
Last season, Alexander enjoyed 535 total snaps with the Saints as their starting weak-side linebacker. He tallied 17 total pressures, including four sacks and 41 tackles. He allowed 43 yards in coverage on just three receptions. The Saints utilized him more in run defense and as a de facto pass rusher.
Over the course of his career, Alexander has proved to be a solid piece as a pass rusher. He did miss 19% of his tackles last season, a lofty number that likely isn’t going to dissipate, having spent seven years in the NFL up to this point.
However, the former fourth-round tight end out of LSU could be had for a reasonable price.
The Jets currently have $8.87 million in available salary space, plenty to bring in a veteran linebacker like Alexander. With CJ Mosley penciled in as their MIKE linebacker, the other options at LB2 include Jamien Sherwood, Quincy Williams, Marcell Harris, and Hamsah Nasirildeen. A position battle is expected to take place there. Adding Alexander to the mix would provide a bonafide starter with experience alongside Mosley. His acquisition would greatly improve the Jets’ linebacker position.