The New York Jets are following a trend set by the Eagles, Chiefs and Seahawks by resigning their lone bright spot on defense, Jamien Sherwood, to a three-year, 45 million deal after an abysmal 5-12 season.
Sherwood, 25, becomes the fourth highest-paid linebacker in the league, per Over the Cap, with only the Bears' Tremaine Edmunds, the 49ers' Fred Warner, and the Ravens' Roquan Smith having larger contracts.
Sherwood has only gotten better every season since being drafted as a safety by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. After being told he wasn’t fast enough to play safety but not big enough to play linebacker, Sherwood made the career-changing move to linebacker under head coach Robert Salah.
Sherwood even got the starting job in Week 1. An outstanding start to the campaign was cut short by a terrifying Achilles tear in Week 7. After rehab, Sherwood would see the field again starting on special teams in 2022 and 2023 -- eventually becoming the team's star linebacker in 2024.
Sherwood was also named the team's MVP this season after putting up career numbers, 158 tackles, and an NFL league-high 98 solo tackles. This move makes the Jets a better team keeping one of the team's best players for the next three years.
Did I mention he is only 25?
Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, Sherwood fills the role linebacker Alex Anzalone filled for Glenn last year with the Lions. Being able to fly around the field, cover tight ends, and call the plays on defense is exactly what Aaron Glenn looks for in linebackers.
Sherwood fits the bill. Perfectly.
Sherwood joins another former Auburn star Carlton Davis with a big payday at the start of NFL free agency. Davis also just signed a three-year deal; his being worth $60 million with the New England Patriots.