Looks like new interim GM Adam Gase is already making moves.
The Jets have parted ways with LB Darron Lee, trading him to the Chiefs for a 2020 sixth-round pick in return, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed on Wednesday night.This has been an expected move for the Jets since CJ Mosley signed his massive five-year, $85 million deal with Gang Green this offseason.
Lee, a former first-round pick out of Ohio State, hadn't lived up to his expectations with the Jets since coming to the team in 2016. His rookie season saw just 13 games (nine starts), where he totaled 70 combined tackles, three quarterback hits, and one sack.
There was improvement in 2017, when he had 94 combined tackles -- nine for loss -- with three sacks and two forced fumbles as well. But, in 2018 when Avery Williamson was added to the mix, his production diminished again. He had 74 tackles with no sacks and only two quarterback hits over 12 games. He did, however, collect three interceptions one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Still, Lee's up-and-down production forced the Jets now former GM Mike Maccagnan to bring in someone new like Mosley to add more consistency to the second tier. Also, with new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in place, he will be looking for his linebackers to get into the backfield, an area the Jets hoped Lee would develop quicker in than he has shown on the gridiron.
Lee will have a better situation in Kansas City, where they need defensive help to everywhere on the field. For the Jets, Williamson and Mosley will be the core of the linebackers on the inside, while players like Brandon Copeland, Jordan Jenkins, and hopefully, Jachai Polite will man the outside.