New York Jets Wheeling and Dealing; Trade DB Dwight Lowery and Acquire Offensive Line Depth

Published: 3^rd Sep 11 11:17 pm

by Jon Presser
New York Jets Lead Columnist

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Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

With roster cutdowns looming across the NFL, and with the team clearly unsatisfied with what they had on hand, the New York Jets found a way to bolster their offensive line depth via the trade market, swinging a deal with the Green Bay Packers.

The defending Super Bowl champions shipped rookie guard Caleb Schlauderaff to the Jets for an undisclosed conditional draft pick. Schlauderaff, a sixth-round draft pick this past April out of Utah is capable of playing center in a pinch as well, according to coach Rex Ryan.

The Jets had been looking for depth on the offensive line ever since the injury to Robert Turner in their preseason opener against the Houston Texans a few weeks ago. Turner was the second-string center and guard, and the Jets obviously felt that were unable to adequately replace him with the linemen they had in camp.

The Jets also made a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, sending fourth-year defensive back Dwight Lowery to Jacksonville for an undisclosed conditional draft pick.

The versatile Lowery appeared to be a lock to make the Jets’ final roster, with his ability to effectively play both cornerback and safety, as well as special teams.

However, the Jets felt comfortable with their depth in the defensive backfield, and were willing to part ways with Lowery and give him a chance to get more playing time. Lowery will join fellow ex-Jet cornerback Drew Coleman in Jacksonville.

As teams make their final cuts and get down to their final 53-man rosters, expect a flurry of action around the league, as teams sift through the waiver wire (and the trade market, evidently) to fill their needs.