Report: Jets, ‘Plenty’ Of Other Teams Interested In Dion Lewis
Dion Lewis is set to become a free agent. And considering the interest he’s drawing around the league, he could really cash in.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Thursday that Lewis is “expected to get serious consideration” from several teams across the league. He named the Jets, Colts, Texans, Raiders, and 49ers as potential suitors.
So if Florio’s report is accurate, then Lewis is likely to stay in the AFC if he leaves the Patriots via free agency.
Dion Lewis On The Open Market
Dion Lewis carries the ball for the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Mike Reiss detailed Lewis’ impending free agent market in a new column for ESPN on Friday. He suggests that Lewis likely won’t accept an offer that doesn’t beat the AAV of the deal that the Pats gave Mike Gillislee ($3.2 million). Reiss cites recent contracts for the Falcons’ Devonta Freeman (five years, $22 million in guarantees) and Lamar Miller (four years, $14 million guaranteed) as potential comps for a deal Lewis could get on the open market.
Lewis, 27, certainly has an argument to be paid near the top of the heap. He led the Patriots with 896 rushing yards and also played well as a pass-catching back and kick returner. He led all NFL running backs by far in “Defense-adjusted Value Over Average” (DVOA), according to Football Outsiders, with a 271 rating. The Rams’ Todd Gurley finished second with 264.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lewis said his “main thing” is to make sure he’s “valued” as a free agent this offseason. It appears that he’ll have no shortage of top-value offers heading his way.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
Sources:
— Salary information via Spotrac
