Should the Redskins Trade for Jets Linebacker Darron Lee?

It’s rumored the Jets are looking to trade inside linebacker Darron Lee. Yesterday, they agreed in principle to a deal with free agent linebacker C.J. Mosley, that all but seals the deal that Lee will not be in the team’s long-term plans.

Lee, who is just 24 years old, was a former first round pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of Ohio State. He is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, and the team who controls his rights has the option for the fifth year. He has a cap hit of just $3.2 million for 2019.

At the 2016 combine, Lee posted a blistering 4.47 40 yard dash to go along with a 35.5” vertical and a 4.20 short shuttle. He had a breakout year in 2017, where he posted 94 total tackles, three sacks, and two forced forced fumbles in 15 games. Last year, he recorded three interceptions and five passes defended in just 12 games, while racking up 74 total tackles. He was suspended for the team’s final four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

The Redskins need help at inside linebacker. They were rumored to be in heavy pursuit of C.J. Mosley, but lost out to the Jets. A versatile sideline-to-sideline linebacker, who can also cover running backs and tight ends is just what the Redskins need, and Lee would offer them just that.

If the Jets would accept a fifth or sixth round pick for their troubled linebacker, the Redskins would be wise to pounce. The Skins have plenty of leaders on the defensive side of the football to help keep Lee in check.

The thought of pairing Lee with Reuben Foster sends chills down my spine!