Former first-round pick Lewis Cine joins New York Jets' practice squad after Vikings release

Alex Parker

u/alex •

The New York Jets have signed former Vikings first-round pick Lewis Cine to their practice squad, with the expectation of elevating him to the 53-man roster once he's comfortable with the playbook.

Why it matters: The addition of Cine provides depth and competition at the safety position for the Jets, who are looking to solidify their defensive backfield.

  • Cine was drafted 32nd overall by the Vikings in 2022 but was waived after unsuccessful trade attempts.
  • He has only played 10 defensive snaps over his first two seasons, but in the preseason, he showed promise with 13 tackles and one sack in 150 snaps.

Yes, but: Cine's progress has been hindered by injuries, including a compound fracture of his left leg during his rookie season in 2022.

What to watch: Keep an eye on Cine's development and how he adjusts to his new role as a nickelback for the Jets.

The Jets also claimed former Bears tight end Brenden Bates on waivers, adding depth to their tight end position.

Zoom In: Cine's arrival adds competition and potential upside to the Jets' secondary, which could lead to improved performance from the unit.

By the numbers: Cine's limited playing time and injury history may raise questions about his ability to contribute significantly to the team.

  • However, his preseason performance indicates that he has the potential to make an impact when given the opportunity.

What's next: The Jets will continue to evaluate Cine's progress and determine when to elevate him to the active roster.

The bottom line: The signing of Lewis Cine demonstrates the Jets' commitment to improving their roster and addressing areas of need, particularly in the secondary. While Cine's past injuries and lack of playing time raise concerns, his preseason performance provides hope for his future impact with the team.

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