NY Jets interested in a Kwon Alexander reunion after the draft

NY Jets, Kwon Alexander
NY Jets, Kwon Alexander | Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets could be looking to make a number of moves in the latter stages of free agency this offseason, one of which might involve veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on Tuesday that the Jets have interest in re-signing Alexander after the 2023 NFL Draft. Per Cimini, the two sides have "stayed in touch" and could explore a reunion next month.

This comes one day after the team re-signed center Connor McGovern and, of course, traded for Aaron Rodgers. It's clear that the Jets aren't afraid to run it back with many of the same players from last year's roster.

Alexander exceeded expectations in many ways last season and could fill the same role he did in 2022 as the team's third linebacker. Right now, the Jets don't have a projected third starting linebacker.

Kwon Alexander would be an excellent pickup for the NY Jets

The Jets signed Alexander to a dirt-cheap one-year, $1.28 million contract last August. Alexander's talent has never been in question, but the former Pro Bowler's inability to stay healthy throughout his career hindered his market.

That changed in 2023, however. Alexander played all 17 games for the first time in his NFL career — only the second time in seven seasons he had appeared in more than 12 games.

Alexander played 49 percent of the Jets' defensive snaps and finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of 63.0 that ranked 36th among all qualified linebackers. He was a quality, starting-caliber linebacker.

The Jets could look to find Alexander's replacement in the 2023 NFL Draft, but with just five picks in total at the moment, they might look to spend their draft capital in other ways.

The team could always roll with the young linebackers already on their roster, namely Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeen, but the Jets might not believe either is ready for a prominent role.

The best and most obvious option is to bring back Alexander on what will likely be a similarly inexpensive deal. Alexander's social media activity seems to suggest he'd welcome a return to New York.

The Jets are interested in re-signing Kwon Alexander. Don't be surprised if this deal gets done in the days/weeks following the 2023 NFL Draft.

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