The New York Jets re-signed linebacker Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million contract, with $30 million guaranteed. It was reported last week that the two sides had mutual interest in getting a deal done, and on Sunday, Sherwood put pen to paper.
According to Peter Schrager on X, bringing Sherwood back this offseason was a “top priority” for the newly assembled front office led by general manager Darren Mougey. Sherwood was voted as the team MVP by his teammates, which is high praise for the 25-year-old.
Sherwood played a huge role for the Jets last season, filling in for veteran All-Pro C.J. Mosley in the center of the team’s defense. The former fifth-round pick recorded 158 tackles, which was tied for the third most in the NFL.
With Mosley getting to the end of his career, a revamp to Gang Green’s linebacker core was in the rearview mirror. Former general manager Joe Douglas drafted Sherwood in 2021. In the three seasons in former head coach Robert Saleh and former defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich’s defense, Sherwood became one of the next best young talents at his position.
It took some time for the Sherwood to develop, but once he was handed the keys to the defense, he flew around the field making plays. New York’s new head coach Aaron Glenn needs a speedy linebacker in the middle of his defense and someone who can take over a game.
Sherwood has progressed every year he’s played and with some injuries to his teammates, has earned him playing time and a contract extension. Prior to 2024, Sherwood started a total of seven games over the course of his first three seasons and played a total of 39 games. Last season he started 16 of the 17 games and played in all of them.
With linebackers Zack Baun and Nick Bolton signing contracts with their respective teams, it’s likely that Sherwood would’ve drawn some interest from the rest of the league if he hit free agency.
New York needs to get younger and continue to add more talent, and while they’re not expected to pay a quarterback top dollar, they can fill out the rest of their roster. Even if they decide to go the Justin Fields route or stick with Tyrod Taylor, it’ll be a cheap contract to whoever ends up under center in the green and white.
The Jets’ defense didn’t skip a beat without Mosley a season ago. It was a change of pace, from Sherwood to Mosley, as he brought a mix of IQ, speed, great tackling ability and range.
The new league year begins on Monday, March 10, which is when the bulk of free agency signings start to flood in. Free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday, March 12, but once the league tampering period starts on Monday, it’s a free-for-all.
