Jets re-sign left guard Alex Lewis to three-year deal, add former Broncos center Connor McGovern

Joe Douglas continues to work on and rebuild the Jets offensive line.

The Jets are bringing back left guard Alex Lewis, and they came to terms with former Broncos center Connor McGovern on Tuesday. Lewis will sign a three-year, $18.6 million contract with $6 million guaranteed, a league source said. McGovern is also getting a three-year deal for $27 million, $18 million guaranteed, according to a source

Douglas, the Jets general manager, said making sure Sam Darnold was protected would be a main focus this offseason. He’s following through on his word.

The Jets’ first three moves during the first two days of the NFL free-agent negotiation period have been securing offensive linemen. On Monday night, former Seahawks left tackle George Fant agreed on a three-year, $27.3-million contract, with $13.7 million guaranteed.

All three players are 27 or younger and Douglas, a former offensive lineman, gave them all relatively team-friendly, three-year contracts.

McGovern, 26, provides the Jets with much-needed versatility and durability on the line. A fifth-round pick in 2016, McGovern has played in all but one game over the past three years.

He played exclusively right guard in 2017, and some center in 2018. McGovern became the Broncos’ starting center in 2019 after Matt Paradis signed with Carolina. McGovern allowed just one sack in 1,013 snaps in 2019 and committed zero penalties, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jonotthan Harrison was penciled in at center. He also has the versatility to play multiple spots on the line. If he doesn’t start, Harrison will provide depth.

In Lewis and Fant, the Jets appear to have the left side of their line. Douglas acquired Lewis from the Ravens last August for a 2020 seventh-round pick. Lewis was one of the bright spots on an offensive line that was among the worst in the NFL.

The 6-6, 305-pound Lewis replaced Kelechi Osemele as the starting left guard in Week 4 last season. Lewis started the next 12 games before he was placed on IR with an ankle injury. Lewis played every offensive snap in those 12 games, allowing two sacks in 764 plays.

A fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2016, Lewis started 18 of the 20 games he played for Baltimore before being sent to the Jets.

Douglas still has plenty of work to do on the line as well other positions that need upgrades. The Jets have shown interest in Carolina guard Greg Van Roten, who went to Chaminade High School. Right guard Brian Winters is under contract, but his salary is not guaranteed. He could be waived.

Douglas and the Jets are also expected to address the line in the draft. The Jets have the No. 11 pick and could select one of the top tackles (Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills, Andrew Thomas) if any of them are still available.

Another possibility with that pick is a dynamic receiver (Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb) depending on how free agency goes for the Jets.

They eventually have to find a receiver. Re-signing Robby Anderson is still an option. If they lose him, the Jets could try to sign Patriots free agent receiver Phillip Dorsett or Breshad Perriman of Tampa.