3 former NY Jets players who failed with their new team in 2023
By Justin Fried
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The 2023 offseason brought about significant change for the NY Jets organization. Not only did the team acquire a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, but they reshaped a good portion of the roster around him.
The Jets brought in players like Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and others to supplement the addition of their star quarterback. Of course, many of those additions didn't exactly work out, but that's another story for another day.
In turn, the Jets were forced to part ways with quite a few of their own players. Some of those players left via free agency, while others, most notably Elijah Moore, were sent packing in trades.
Unfortunately for these three former Jets, the grass wasn't necessarily greener on the other side. Here's a look at three former Jets who failed with their new teams in 2023.
3. Kwon Alexander, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
After a year spent with the Jets in 2022, Kwon Alexander left to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason. Alexander had helped revitalize his career with a healthy and productive season in New York, but that good fortune didn't follow him to the Steel City.
Alexander appeared in nine games for the Steelers before tragically suffering a torn Achilles in November. It marked the seventh time in nine seasons that Alexander had failed to play more than 12 games.
On top of that, Alexander's performance dipped as well. The LSU product finished with an abysmal Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 30.3, which ranked 81st among 82 qualified linebackers. His 20 percent missed tackle rate was also fourth-worst among qualifiers.
From declining production to another significant injury, Alexander's first year after his successful Jets stint was a disaster. Here's to hoping he could return from injury and rebound in 2024.