The Kansas City Chiefs have made a trade to acquire linebacker Darron Lee from the New York Jets in return for a 2020 sixth-round draft pick.
A former first-round pick, Lee had been rumored to be on the trade block for a while, but the Jets today fired general manager Mike Maccagnan. Now, under head coach/interim GM Adam Gase, the Jets have finally moved on from Lee.
Lee was drafted by the Jets in 2016 and has been one of the top tacklers on the team each season, including having the second-most tackles on the team in 2017. In 2018, Lee finished the season with 74 total tackles, three interceptions and five passes defended.
The Chiefs had interest in reinforcing the linebacker position during the draft, but the position group was thin and ran out before the Chiefs came on the clock. Lee upgrades their position group significantly without having to give up much in the way of draft capital.
This feels like a good move for GM Brett Veach and the Chiefs, especially if Lee goes on to be a major contributor for the team. If he doesn’t it isn’t a big sweat either, because the Chiefs can cut Lee with no charge to the salary cap.
Also, Lee is already friends with the MVP.
Lee will be in Kansas City just in time to watch the season finale!
