The New York Jets have added another first-round talent to their already strong defense.

Even without edge rusher Haason Reddick, the defensive line consists of six former first-round draft picks alone. Now the Jets are strengthening their secondary, which already boasts superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

New York has agreed to terms with safety Lewis Cine, who was released after just two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, on a practice squad contract, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Cine was selected 28 times by the Vikings after Gardner left for the Jets in 2022 and struggled to get on the field in 2022 and 2023, appearing in just 10 games in his career and recording one tackle.

After overcoming a lower leg injury at the start of the Vikings’ training camp this summer, Cine played in all three preseason games and started twice. On defense, he totaled 13 tackles, 1.0 sacks, one interception and two quarterback hits. The Georgia product also stopped three special teams tackles.

After Minnesota fell far down the rankings, they decided to drop the once promising young player. Cine, born in Haiti, turns 25 on October 5th.

The depth of Gang Green’s safety position has been questioned throughout training camp. Former undrafted free safety Tony Adams is entering his second year as a starter, while former sixth-round pick Chuck Clark will start at strong safety after missing 2023 with a torn ACL. Behind them, the Jets have veteran Ashtyn Davis and converted cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

On Wednesday, the Green-Whites had acquired rookie tight end Brenden Bates from the Chicago Bears via the waiver list and now have to take a corresponding step to free up a spot on the roster.

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• Former Jets franchise quarterback dominates Denver’s friendly win