Lewis Cine, a former safety for the Minnesota Vikings, has joined the practice squad of the New York Jets, one of the most well-known players released on Tuesday as part of the team’s final roster cuts.
Just two years ago, Cine was selected by the Vikings in the first round and appeared to be a future cornerstone of their defense. Sadly, a severe leg injury sustained early in his debut campaign ended his career.
Cine played virtually solely on special teams in 2023 and only made 10 appearances in his two years with the Vikings before being dismissed as part of the team’s final roster cuts. With the Jets, he now has a new beginning.
After the Jets reportedly re-signed rookie seventh-round pick Jaylen Key, Cine is the second safety to supposedly join the practice squad. In Florham Park, both players will carry on with their development.
Lewis Cine’s ideal landing position is with the New York Jets.
After high school, Cine was a four-star prospect and declined offers to play for the University of Georgia from Texas, Michigan, Penn State, and Florida.
In 2021, Cine finished as a first-team All-SEC selection and assisted his school in winning a national championship. The adaptable defensive back was considered a potential Day 1/Day 2 choice in the 2022 NFL Draft; Minnesota would ultimately take him with the 32nd overall pick.
In his first summer with the Vikings, Cine displayed some potential, and he started the season as an important depth player. Unfortunately, during a Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints, he had a complicated leg fracture that necessitated two surgeries. His career never really got back on track.
The Haitian player left the Vikings early because he was moving down the depth chart behind players like Josh Metellus, Harrison Smith, and Camryn Bynum.
Considering that the Jets’ safety room is perhaps their weakest position group, the team is a great fit for Cine. If the young safety makes an impression on the coaching staff during practice this season, he should be given the chance to push for playing time.
Joining the Jets defense, Cine becomes the tenth previous first-round selection to play on a strong and talented group. The team’s acquisition to the practice squad today is probably the most noteworthy one.
