Jets happy to add linebacker Kwon Alexander
Saints linebacker Kwon Alexander looks up at the videoboard near the end of an NFL game against the Titans in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 14, 2021. Credit: AP/Gary McCullough
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Robert Saleh is excited about reuniting with Kwon Alexander and adding him to the Jets’ linebacker group.
“He’s a ball of energy,” Saleh said. “Great leadership. Can play both [weak-side and strong-side linebacker]. Love him. Obviously, we have the history from SF. He’s a special young man.”
The Jets officially signed Alexander to his one-year deal on Friday. He spent parts of two seasons playing for Saleh when he was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Alexander, a one-time Pro Bowl player, started his career with Tampa Bay and played for the Saints last year.
Because Alexander didn’t take part in any OTAs, the plan was for him to work out with the strength and conditioning staff Friday and Saturday.
Alexander’s experience and knowledge of the system should lead to him competing for a starting job in Saleh’s 4-3 defense. C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams are returning starters. Alexander has started 74 of 78 games in his NFL career and has 521 tackles, 12 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and eight interceptions.
“No expectations except to do what he always does, which is bring a lot of juice, a lot of energy, plays his absolute tail off,” Saleh said. “We’ll let day by day go and we’ll see where it ends up.”
To make room for Alexander, the Jets released linebacker Javin White.
Ruckert recovering
Saleh said rookie tight end Jeremy Ruckert, a Lindenhurst product, had “a mini-breakthrough” this week and is getting closer to participating in practice. Ruckert opened camp on the Non-Football Injury list because of a foot injury he suffered in the Senior Bowl.
“He’s getting closer,” Saleh said. “We’ll see how things progress for the remainder of the weekend.”
Sauce in the mix
Rookie Sauce Gardner has done well early in camp, but Saleh said it’s too soon to say who will start at the other cornerback spot opposite D.J. Reed. Right now, Gardner is alternating days with the starters and Bryce Hall so both get reps against all different looks. Saleh wants to see how Gardner does when the Jets put the pads on next week and in the preseason.
Two-minute drill
Braxton Berrios continues to work on a side field because of an undisclosed injury. Saleh hopes he can join practice next week . . . Saleh said Mekhi Becton had “a really good day” of practice. “It’s not getting easier, he’s just getting stronger,” Saleh said. “He’s just got to continue to strain himself and push himself to the brink of exhaustion and trust that that discomfort is going to help him get better.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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