NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced on Monday that the Jets are shopping linebacker Darron Lee.
“One player whose name has been mentioned in trade talks is Jets former first-round pick LB Darron Lee, thanks to the big-money addition of CJ Mosley,” Rapoport said via Twitter. “Lee will be there for the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program, as his status remains unchanged, I’m told.”
Rapoport’s announcement makes sense since Lee isn’t an ideal fit for the inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense because he’s not great at shedding blocks, a big part of the job. He’s a much better fit in a 4-3 defense as a run-and-hit weakside linebacker.
But it might be a little surprising the Jets are reportedly shopping Lee, since Adam Gase raved about the linebacker at the combine, blaming the media for the negativity surrounding the linebacker’s play.
“He was always getting beat up by you guys (media) a lot of the times,” Gase said. “And he would play a great game against us (the Dolphins). We would have problems blocking him. We have would have problems making sure he was accounted for. He would do a good job in coverage.”
But now he’s on the trade block according to Rapoport’s announcement.
A fresh start in a 4-3 defense might be a good thing for Lee, who might be miscast in a 3-4 defense.
The new issue of Jets Confidential Magazine is out and available at convenience stores and by subscription. It’s our of extensive draft preview issue with tons of prospect bios and Jets-related previews of every position; also lots of Jets Whispers. To subscribe, click below, or call the number below.
