As the New York Jets gear up for free agency 2023 to kick off this week, it is time to preview where each position group stands. Whether there is talent already under contract, or New York acquiring players through free agency or the draft, General Manager Joe Douglas looks to build a legitimate contender. That being said, let’s take a look at the Jets linebacker preview for the 2023 off-season.
New York Jets 2023 Off-Season Previews: Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, Interior Offensive Lineman, Edge Rusher, Defensive Line
New York Jets 2023 Off-Season Preview: Linebackers
Jets Under Contract for 2023
On March 12th, the Jets re-signed linebacker Quincy Williams to a three-year deal, worth $18 million. This was massive for Gang Green, as they re-signed one of Douglas’ best waiver wire pickups. A former third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jets claimed him in September of 2021, and he immediately carved a role on defense. Over the last two years, Williams has 126 total tackles to his name, as well as three forced fumbles and three sacks. The Alabama product will only be 27 years old this season and hopes to be playing with his brother Quinnen Williams for years to come.
The #Jets agreed to terms with LB Quincy Williams on a three-year, $18 million deal that maxes out at $21M with incentives, per source.
Williams played the past two seasons with little brother Quinnen and the #Jets, posting consecutive 100-tackle seasons. Now, he gets paid. pic.twitter.com/PyeUpEtfLs
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2023
Williams returns to join C.J. Mosley as the rocks of the Jets defense. However, that assumes Mosley does not wind up as a cap casualty. Set to have the largest cap hit on the team, the off-ball linebacker will be 31 entering his ninth NFL season. Since signing with the Jets in 2019, Mosley has only played 35 of 66 games, with 33 of those starts in the last two seasons. Simply put, there is an argument for his release. Then again, Mosley is the leader of the defense, having earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2022. Agreeing to a restructured deal would be best for both sides, as the Jets need to clear more cap space.
Mosley and Williams are the two starting linebackers for the Jets, joined on the roster by Jamien Sherwood, Hamsah Nasirildeen, and Chazz Surratt. All three-saw majority of their playtime on special teams last season and will be entering their third year in the pros in 2023. That being said, expect them to compete for legitimate defensive reps in training camp.
2023 NFL Free Agency Linebacker Options
With Williams back, the Jets only have two linebackers set to be free agents – Kwon Alexander and Marcell Harris. Alexander, a late training camp pickup, started 12 of 17 games, providing big hits and mediocre coverage. As for Harris, he was a key player on special teams and provided New York with veteran depth. Retaining either is not off the table.
Should the Jets move on from Mosley, the entire free agency approach to linebacker changes. The team would need a new leader over the middle, and thankfully, there are plenty of veteran free agents who fit the bill. Eric Kendricks, Denzel Perryman, and Anthony Walker Jr. all would complement Williams well. While unlikely, should they opt to land another big-fish off-ball linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds or Devin Bush being below 25 years old is undoubtedly enticing to establish a long-term defensive core.
Some other names to watch are Azeez Al-Shaair and Deion Jones. Al-Shaair, a former undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic, got his first shot in league with the San Francisco 49ers and never looked back. With Head Coach Robert Saleh’s ties to the 49ers back when Al-Shaair played, the familiarity could intrigue both sides. The same can be said about Deion Jones, whose linebackers coach for years with the Atlanta Falcons is current Jets Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Coming off an underwhelming campaign in Cleveland, Jones shouldn’t come at a premium cost either.
Lastly, Kyzir White is the perfect hybrid safety/linebacker that Ulbrich has tried to develop out of Sherwood and Nasirildeen. Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, White finished with 110 tackles and seven pass deflections to his name. Efficient both in coverage and run defense, White would be a massive addition to an already elite defense.
2023 NFL Draft Linebacker Options
The last time the Jets drafted a natural, off-ball linebacker was in 2016, selecting Darron Lee from Ohio State 20th overall. In other words, in New York, it has been six years since the Jets added an off-ball linebacker on a rookie contract. Maybe, just maybe, the 2023 NFL Draft is when that finally changes.
Like free agency, this is a very talented class of available linebackers. Now, it is highly unlikely the Jets use their first-round pick or even second-round pick at linebacker. If a draft pick comes, it will be in the third round or later. Late on day two and early day three, prospects such as Washington State’s Daiyan Henley or Utah’s Mohamoud Diabate can make immediate impacts. Demarvion Overshown is another intriguing prospect, as his 6’4” and 224-pound frame saw him move from safety to linebacker during his time at Texas. Lastly, some other draftable options include Own Pappoe (Auburn), Mikel Jones (Syracuse), and Dorian Williams (Tulane).
Jets Linebacker Construction Prediction
When it is all said and done and training camp is underway, one would hope to see C.J. Mosley back on a restructured deal roaming the middle of the field with Quincy Williams. Unless Sherwood, Nasirildeen, or Surratt are ready to make a jump, a veteran must be added as depth in addition to Kwon Alexander’s replacement. Lastly, adding a linebacker through the draft on a rookie contract would behoove the Jets to add long-term stability.
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
