It did not take long for new interim GM Adam Gase to make his presence known, as he quickly traded former first round pick LB Darron Lee to the Kansas City Chiefs. All the Jets received in return was a 6th round pick in 2020. The Jets selected Lee in 2016 at #20 overall. He showed some progress in 2017 before starting 2018 with a big game against the Lions where he picked off two passes and return one of them for a touchdown. Lee ended last season with a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
According to an insider report, this trade has been in the works for weeks. Mike Maccagnan wanted a 5th rounder for Lee but once he was fired, the Chiefs quickly made their move and grabbed him for only a 6th.
Both of the Jets top 2016 draft picks are now gone. QB Christian Hackenberg, who was selected in the 2nd round, was traded last year and is now out of the league.