New NY Jets LB Kwon Alexander making strong first impression

NY Jets linebacker Kwon Alexander didn't waste any time settling in with his new team and is ready to get his 2022 campaign started.

The former New Orleans Saints linebacker signed with the Jets on Friday and showed up to practice on Monday in excellent shape, per head coach Robert Saleh.

Alexander and Saleh worked together on the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and 2020, and being reunited with his former defensive coordinator likely played a significant role in Alexander's decision to come to New York.

The eighth-year linebacker also attracted attention from the New York Giants, and he could have stayed on New Orleans' top-10 defense, too.

But Alexander ultimately chose the Jets, and he's already making his presence felt in training camp.

"I’ve got a chip on my shoulder every time I come out there on that field. I try to be the best I can be. For me, I’ve just [got] to get going. Once I get going, it’s going to be hard to stop me."

- Kwon Alexander

NY Jets linebacker Kwon Alexander is pumped up for the 2022 season

Alexander enjoyed a productive 2021 season that saw him record 50 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception in 12 games.

He played with former Jets player Demario Davis back in New Orleans and now gets a firsthand taste of New York's defensive scheme in 2022, getting to work with both Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

Alexander's exact role heading into the season remains unclear as the Jets already have two solid linebacker starters in C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams.

At worst, Alexander may be no more than a third linebacker, but at best, the 28-year-old could establish himself as the most productive linebacker on the team and take over the starting job from Williams.

Given the inconsistent play the Jets have received at the linebacker position, Alexander may be asked to step up throughout the 2022 season, and it's a good thing he already has the experience and leadership qualities to command the defense.

If all goes well, Alexander could quickly turn into one of the team's most underrated signings of the offseason.