Jets Re-Sign Linebacker Neville Hewitt

Hewitt had a career-best year with the Jets in 2019 and re-signing him more than makes sense. The Marshall product recorded career-high three sacks and started career-best 12 games. Additionally, the same applies to his tackles total (75) and solo tackles total (44).

Hewitt’s the third player to come back to the team on a one-year deal, after corners Brian Poole and Arthur Maulet. In addition, the Jets also signed tackle George Fant and center Connor McGovern and re-signed starting left guard Alex Lewis.

Hewitt in a 4-3 defense?

The 26-year-old was used frequently during Avery Williamson‘s injury as a part of a duo of middle linebackers in a 3-4 defensive scheme. All in all, he was on the field for 69 percent of all offensive snaps.

Neville Hewitt came to 1 Jets Drive on a two-year deal in 2018 after getting drafted by the Dolphins in 2015. The Jets are showing interest in bringing in another pass-rusher, which would mean a change to a 4-3 formation. Also, this would give Hewitt the legitimate chance to compete for a starting linebacker spot.

The 4-3 defense would exploit his skills in a very effective way. He was terrific dropping back in coverage last year – 26/51, 51%, 76.9 passer rating allowed. Therefore, that, alongside the ability to contain the rush, would give him a shot over players like Tarell Basham, who was OLB with pass-rushing functions.

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