4 free agent linebackers the NY Jets should still consider signing

2. The NY Jets could sign Alexander Johnson

Alexander Johnson has been one of the NFL's most underrated linebackers over the last few seasons. A late-bloomer, Johnson didn't enter the NFL until the 2018 season when he was 27-years-old.

Johnson was a standout at the University of Tennessee, but he had his career put on hold following sexual assault allegations that emerged during his senior season. Three years later, he was acquitted and signed on with the Denver Broncos.

He took over a starting job in 2019 and finished the season as PFF's third-ranked linebacker in the entire NFL with a stellar grade of 88.5. That was enough for him to retain the starting job heading into 2020.

Johnson once again put together a strong season that year finishing with a PFF grade of 65.4 that ranked 22nd among all linebackers. A step-down, but still a productive year.

Hopes were high for Johnson in 2021 as he looked to build upon two strong seasons. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle just six weeks into the season and was indefinitely sidelined.

Already 30-years-old, the Broncos haven't brought Johnson back just yet, but it's likely that his market will heat up post-draft. The Jets should be among those interested.

Much like Barr, Johnson is a bit bulkier than your average Jets linebacker weighing in at over 250 pounds. Still, he's another proven commodity who would provide much-needed depth to a relatively thin position group.