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The Jets have re-signed backup linebacker Neville Hewitt according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The #Jets have signed FA ILB Neville Hewitt to a 1-year contract, source said. He had 39 tackles last year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2019
Hewitt did get 4 starts as a result of Darron Lee’s late season suspension. His performance wasn’t all that spectacular.
I think the move was made more for his role on special teams, however. Hewitt played 283 snaps on special teams, the third most on the roster. He also led Jets with 5 special teams tackles according to information I searched on Pro Football Reference’s Play Index.
I am not sure whether Hewitt will be guaranteed a roster spot. He probably did not earn a big payday in this deal. His past work on special teams might give him a leg up on the competition, particularly since last year’s special teams coach, Brant Boyer, is a holdover on Adam Gase’s coaching staff. With that said, he might need a strong preseason just to keep himself safe.