Jets Jamien Sherwood is ready to bounce back, which would be a huge rebound for the 2026 New York Jets defense. The New York Jets linebacker entered 2025 with a lot of expectations after signing a major contract extension. However, despite continuing to be a reliable tackler, he struggled in coverage. In fact, it got so bad for the New York Jets that Jamien Sherwood was benched in October, which came as a shock to some. Despite regaining playing time, Jamien Sherwood knows he has to do better. To accomplish that, he was going to need some help.
Fortunately for the Jets, Jamien Sherwood got some veteran leadership that will help. In one of the widely praised moves of general manager Darren Mougey, New York made a wise veteran addition to their linebacker core. Despite being in his late 30s, the return of 15-year veteran Demario Davis gives head coach Aaron Glenn a familiar face. Between his tenure in New Orleans and Glenn in the scouting department when Davis was drafted, their connection will be important. Especially the linebackers on the Jets, like Jamien Sherwood.
Jamien Sherwood Wants to Bounce Back After Rough 2025
2025 could not have gone any worse for the New York Jets defense. Only team since 1933 to finish without an interception. The second-lowest amount of sacks in the league. Second most points per game allowed per game. The early dismissal of veteran defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in December did the Jets no favors either. The departure of both cornerback Ahmad Gardner & defensive tackle Quinnen Williams cost New York two premier starters. However, head coach Aaron Glenn wants 2025 to be an exception.
Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood struggled in 2025 after a great 2024
If the Jets want to improve, they will need more contributions from their linebacker room. After the retirement of veteran CJ Mosley, it was the Jets Jamien Sherwood who was expected to emerge as their new leader. In March, Sherwood’s responsibilities were expected to rise, like his salary. After leading the league in solo tackles, New York signed Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million contract extension. However, raised expectations led to a bigger spotlight, and the holes on the defense shed a light on the Jets and Jamien Sherwood.
Offseason additions revitalized the defense; the Jets & Jamien Sherwood still believe in each other
With cap space and a need for change, Mougey got to work retooling the defense. In fact, at this juncture, the Jets are entering training camp with eight new starters. The defensive line gained three talented linemen between signing veteran David Onyemata & acquiring high-potential defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans. The Jets traded for Sweat from Tennessee in a one-for-one trade that sent 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson to the Titans back in March.
In the secondary, the team looks well-prepared after acquiring veteran safety/nickel corner Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins. Joining Fitzpatrick and 2025 starting cornerback Brandon Stephens will be 2025 Pro Bowl cornerback Nahshon Wright. New Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright heads to New York after a breakout season with the Chicago Bears last year. In addition, fans are eager to watch the 50th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, D’Angelo Ponds. Ponds brings a lot of potential after helping the Indiana Hoosiers to the National Championship last year.
Jamien Sherwood on his 2026 goals pic.twitter.com/Tpk0FrvIGu
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 10, 2026
Improved linebacker room vital to Jamien Sherwood’s improvement
However, the biggest difference-maker has to be the linebacker room. The Jets still believe in Jamien Sherwood. But criticism of the Jets’ defense also falls on Jamien Sherwood. Sherwood is a good linebacker, but the Jets Jamien Sherwood shouldn’t be the best linebacker on a winning team. Sherwood is light at 216lbs for the common size of linebackers. Sherwood is about 20lbs lighter than the average linebacker. It’s also affected his abilities in pass coverage. With the Jets failing to get after the quarterback last year, offenses have had more time to develop plays and more completions.
So, with a desire to pressure the quarterback earlier, New York used the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to add a premier edge rusher. Last season, David Bailey led Texas Tech to the College Football Playoff as one of the best outside linebackers in the nation. Second in the nation in pressure rate, he will join Jets 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald and free agent signee Joseph Ossai to improve the Jets pass rush. If McDonald can get back to the 10-sack production he produced in 2024, the additions of Bailey & Ossai can throw off an offense’s timing. This will lead to better pass coverage all around, including Jets Jamien Sherwood.
Main Photo: [Gregory Fisher] – Imagn Images
