NY Jets secure depth at LB by re-signing James Burgess in free agency

The NY Jets have retained linebacker James Burgess in free agency. Here are all the details and why this checks off a big box on the to-do-list.

The NY Jets have completely checked off one huge offseason item on their to-do-list: secure the depth at linebacker in free agency.

On Monday afternoon, Gang Green announced they had re-signed James Burgess to a one-year deal. Burgess was a non-tendered restricted free agent and had an opportunity to test the waters over the last week.

This is the second linebacker the NY Jets have retained this offseason including Neville Hewitt last week who were pending free agents.

The Jets also had former Pro Bowler CJ Mosley and Avery Williamson already on the roster under contract. Mosley and Williamson were two big fish Gang Green secured in free agency over the last two years at the position.

The Jets Zone w/ @BoyGreen25 feat @RichCimini:– Fact or fiction on #TakeFlight free agency rumors.– Which FAs #Jets are trying to re-sign ahead of next week.– Joe Douglas, Ozzie Newsome relationship details.– Latest on Quinnen Williams.– Tom Brady?!https://t.co/yWFRXUrPzb

— The Jets Zone (@TheJets_Zone) March 12, 2020

Last and certainly not least, the team selected Blake Cashman out of Minnesota in the fifth round, 157th overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft. Cashman showed some promise before being shut down due to a troublesome shoulder injury.

Now the green and white possess five inside linebackers that have an array of starting experience.

Gregg Williams has been coaching professional football for the last 30 years in the pros. 2019 was his first season with the NY Jets and he immediately proved why he’s still getting paid to do this.

Despite the team suffering an array of injuries last year to several critical positions, none more than linebacker, Williams didn’t give up. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

The popular phrase is Williams made chicken salad out of chicken s***. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Jets developed a ton of depth at inside linebacker last year.

Now with Cashman, Hewitt, and Burgess, the team is stocked and loaded at linebacker. If Mosley or Williamson battle the injury bug again heading into 2020, the team will be more than prepared for that situation.