The New York Jets’ leading tackler probably wasn’t on many 2024 bingo cards.
After three consecutive 150+ tackle campaigns, veteran linebacker CJ Mosley was the likely preseason favorite followed by All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams. While Mosley, who is currently on Injured Reserve, has been limited to four appearances, Williams has contributed 89 tackles and three forced fumbles but still trails the team leader by a noticeable margin.
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood, a 2021 fifth-round draft pick, has carved out a primary role for himself in 2024 and has the numbers to prove it.
The 24-year-old Sherwood has totaled 121 stops on defense through 13 games, ranking fifth overall amongst NFL leaders. In the Week 14 overtime setback to Miami Dolphins, Sherwood made a game-high 18 tackles while impressing interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
“That’s some inspired football. If you watch that game and you don’t get inspired by the play of Jamien Sherwood, then you don’t really love and appreciate this game at all. He was everywhere,” said Ulbrich. “He’s a guy that just, he’s been so important to this defense and he’s brought so much energy and positivity and leadership.”
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In their weekly NFL team-by-team assessments, Bleacher Report suggested that New York should begin working on a new contract for Sherwood before the season is done to ensure the leading tackler is in place when the new general manager takes over.
Move to Make Now: Extend Jamien Sherwood
Whoever takes over the Jets is going to get a roster that has some functional pieces. The defense has had its moments throughout the season and Jamien Sherwood is one of the reasons why. He has been the breakout player on the defense with over 100 tackles on the season already. The Jets need to make sure they keep their defensive core intact where they can. Sherwood has become a part of that, and it would make sense to get an extension done before he hits the open market. — Bleacher Report
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