New York Jets add safety, take chance on Vikings' first-round draft bust

The New York Jets added another first-round talent to their already-loaded defense.

Even without edge rusher Haason Reddick , the defensive line alone features six former first-round draft choices. Now, the Jets are adding one to their secondary, which already boasts superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner, the No. 4 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

New York has agreed to terms on Practice Squad contract with safety Lewis Cine, who was cut by the Minnesota Vikings after only two seasons with the club, according to a report by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo .  Taken by the Vikings 28 selections after Gardner went to the Jets in 2022, Cine had trouble getting onto the field in 2022 and 2023. He appeared in only 10 career games, logging one tackle.

After fighting through a lower leg injury early during Vikings’ training camp this summer, Cine played in all three preseason games and made two starts. He totaled 13 tackles, 1.0 sack, one interception and two quarterback hits on defense. The Georgia product also made three stops on special teams.

Having fallen way down the depth chart, Minnesota decided to cut bait on the once-promising prospect. The Haitian-born Cine will turn 25 years old on October 5.

Gang Green’s safety depth has been questioned over the course of the camp. Former undrafted free safety Tony Adams enters his second year as a starter while former sixth-round pick Chuck Clark will start at strong safety after missing 2023 due to an ACL tear. Behind them, the Jets have veteran Ashtyn Davis and converted cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Green & White claimed rookie tight end Brenden Bates off waivers from the Chicago Bears and must make a corresponding move to free up a roster spot.

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• J ets' former starting quarterback landing on Bills' Practice Squad

• Highly-touted undrafted rookie earns preseason plaudits in Jets' roster bid

• Ex-Jets' franchise quarterback dominates in Denver's exhibition win