Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Darron Lee

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Darron Lee made an impact.

Darron Lee is a former American football linebacker who played in the NFL. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State. Throughout his career, he was also a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. Lee's career highlights include his time with the Jets after being a high draft pick.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Switched to Linebacker

In 2014, after his redshirt freshman season, Darron Lee transitioned to linebacker and became a starter.

January 2, 2016: Declared for the 2016 NFL Draft

On January 2, 2016, Darron Lee announced his decision to enter the 2016 NFL draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility.

March 11, 2016: Participated at Ohio State's Pro Day

On March 11, 2016, Darron Lee participated at Ohio State's pro day, focusing on positional drills after solidifying his combine numbers. He also had pre-draft visits with multiple teams and was projected as a first-round pick by NFL draft experts.

July 27, 2016: Signed with the New York Jets

On July 27, 2016, Darron Lee signed a four-year, $10.22 million contract with the New York Jets, including $7.92 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5.63 million.

September 25, 2016: Recorded Half a Sack Against the Chiefs

On September 25, 2016, during Week 3, Darron Lee recorded six combined tackles and was credited with half a sack in a 24–3 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

October 22, 2016: Erin Henderson Placed on Non-Football Injury List

On October 22, 2016, Erin Henderson was placed on the Non-Football Injury list, leading to Darron Lee starting six consecutive games to end the season.

2016: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2016, Darron Lee was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL draft.

May 3, 2019: Jets Declined Fifth-Year Option

On May 3, 2019, the Jets declined the fifth-year option on Darron Lee's contract, making him a free agent in 2020.

May 15, 2019: Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

On May 15, 2019, Darron Lee was traded from the Jets to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2020 sixth-round draft pick.

March 2020: Became a Free Agent

In March 2020, Darron Lee became a free agent.

November 2, 2020: Signed to Buffalo Bills' Practice Squad

On November 2, 2020, Darron Lee signed with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.

2020: Free Agency

In 2020, Darron Lee was set to become a free agent after the Jets declined the fifth-year option on his contract in May 3, 2019.

2020: Chiefs Draft Pick

In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs received a sixth-round draft pick as part of the trade that sent Darron Lee from the Jets to the Chiefs on May 15, 2019.