The late summer addition via a trade with Baltimore reportedly re-ups with the New York Jets for $18.6 million over three years.
Per Connor Hughes of The Athletic, the New York Jets will welcome back guard Alex Lewis on a three-year, $18.6 million deal. It is the Jets’ first readdition of one of their own free agents.
Reported earlier today the #Jets & Alex Lewis had “made progress” on a new contract.
And now it’s done.
Source confirms Lewis is returning to New York on a three-year, $18.6-million deal.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 17, 2020
Lewis, set to turn 28 in April, recently wrapped up his fourth season of NFL service and first with the Jets. The Nebraska alum entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2016 NFL Draft. He would join the Jets in the latter stages of last summer, as the Jets sent over a conditional seventh-round pick (226th overall) to acquire him from the Ravens.
It didn’t take long for Lewis to reach the starting lineup, as he was called upon to replace the injured Kelechi Osemele. He wound up making a career-high 12 starts, partaking in all but one game overall. Lewis was placed on injured reserve in December after he suffered an ankle injury in the Jets penultimate game of the season.
Blocking runs in Lewis’ blood. The Tempe, Arizona native is the son of former NFL offensive lineman Bill Lewis, who played seven seasons with the Raiders, Cardinals, and Patriots.
With Lewis in tow, the Jets continue to make changes to their offensive line. They previously added Seattle tackle George Fant earlier this week. Further changes could be on the way. Current starting guard Brian Winters, one of the longest-tenured Jets on the roster, would save the Jets $7.2 million in cap space if released. A fellow starter, center Jonotthan Harrison, would yield $2.25 million more.
Other Jets free agents on the offensive line include tackles Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell and center Ryan Kalil. All spent significant time in the starting lineup last season.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags