The Jets are re-signing free-agent linebacker James Burgess to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Burgess, a non-tendered restricted free agent, is returning just a couple of days after the Jets elected not to extend him a tender.
Burgess has a fan in Gregg Williams, as the two have stayed connected since their days in Cleveland. Burgess provides nice depth at middle linebacker, giving the Jets four capable veterans in along with C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson and Neville Hewitt. Hewitt was retained this past weekend. In addition, Blake Cashman, a second-year player out of Minnesota, plans to be in the mix.
Filling in for multiple injured Jets up the middle last season, Burgess was dominant in the second half, recording 69 tackles and an interception in New York’s final eight games. He finished the season with 80 tackles, making a big contribution in the middle for Gang Green.
New York is now seemingly set at the inside linebacker position and will turn its attention to the outside.
