NY Jets get Anthony Barr flashbacks after Lewis Cine bolts for AFC East rival

The NY Jets believed they were on the verge of signing former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick Lewis Cine to their practice squad on Wednesday after the former Georgia star cleared waivers.

Cine was reportedly expected to fly to New Jersey for a physical and sign his contract with the Jets. Instead, he spurned the team at the last moment and signed a deal to join the Buffalo Bills practice squad.

Cine's decision likely came down to a number of factors. The Bills' safety room underwent significant changes this offseason and Cine likely has a quicker path to immediate playing time in Buffalo. Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and rookie Cole Bishop are the Bills' top three safeties.

On top of that, Cine's college defensive backs coach, Jahmile Addae, is the current cornerbacks coach in Buffalo. His ties to the coaching staff and a more obvious route to playing time likely contributed to his decision.

Lewis Cine spurns NY Jets for division rival

This isn't the first time something like this has happened to the Jets. In fact, it's not even the first time a former Vikings first-round pick has done this to the organization.

Jets fans might remember when longtime Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr reportedly agreed to sign with the Jets in the 2019 offseason, only to change his mind and re-sign with Minnesota.

A similar situation also unfolded with star cornerback Antoine Winfield in the spring of 2004. Winfield reportedly agreed to a six-year deal worth $30 million with the Jets and even had his introductory press conference scheduled before bolting to join the Vikings instead.

There's just something about the Vikings, I guess.

Cine has appeared in only 10 career games over the last two years as a result of a devastating leg injury he suffered in his rookie season. The Vikings decided to cut bait after another injury-riddled campaign in 2023.

The Jets signed rookie seventh-round pick Jaylen Key and undrafted rookie Jarius Monroe to their practice squad to provide depth at safety. The team has Chuck Clark, Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis, and Isaiah Oliver as safety options on the active roster.

It would've been nice for the Jets to have another young safety with developmental upside under contract. Unfortunately, Lewis Cine had other plans.

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