Jets Lock in Jamien Sherwood with $45M Contract as Free Agency Approaches

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have secured middle linebacker Jamien Sherwood with a three-year contract worth $45 million, including $30 million guaranteed, as reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The announcement came on Sunday night, just days ahead of the official start of the NFL league year.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey emphasized the importance of retaining the 25-year-old linebacker before he could enter unrestricted free agency. Coach Aaron Glenn, now in his first season with the Jets, has been vocal about his confidence in Sherwood’s abilities as a defensive leader. “Jamien has proven himself on the field and in the locker room. We believe he can be a cornerstone for our defense moving forward,” said Glenn.

Sherwood, a former fifth-round draft pick from Auburn, transitioned from safety to linebacker after his selection in 2021. His journey includes a significant recovery from an Achilles tear suffered in 2021, which he successfully overcame to become a key player for New York. Last season, he played a pivotal role in the defense, taking over as the starting middle linebacker following an injury to veteran player C.J. Mosley.

In his first full season as a starter, Sherwood recorded an impressive 158 total tackles—tied for third-most in the league—with 98 of those being solo tackles. He also had ten tackles for loss and two sacks, while only missing 13 tackles throughout the season, according to Next Gen Stats. His durability was notable as he played a team-high 1,107 snaps, including special teams.

Despite being only 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds, Sherwood’s speed and sideline-to-sideline tackling make him an ideal fit for the Jets’ aggressive defense. His standout performance earned him the recognition of being voted team MVP by his teammates, highlighting his growing influence on the squad.

As the Jets finalize preparations for the new league year, the future of former Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley remains uncertain. With a $12.8 million cap hit this season, the Jets may need to make tough decisions regarding Mosley’s contract, particularly as they invest heavily in Sherwood. “This move indicates our commitment to building a strong core, as every decision now directly influences our future success,” shared Mougey.

With free agency set to officially open on March 12, the Jets have taken a significant step in locking down crucial talent on their roster, echoing a league-wide trend of teams re-signing their players before they hit the market. Other teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, have also made similar moves, re-signing linebacker Nick Bolton to a contract matching Sherwood’s in terms of duration and value.

Sports analysts have noted that the Jets will need to be strategic this offseason as they navigate free agency and potential trades. The decision to retain Sherwood could set a precedent for how they approach other key positions and their defensive strategy under new leadership.