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The [New York Jets](https://www.ganggreennation.com/) have agreed to terms with linebacker Jamien Sherwood. Sherwood returns to the Jets just hours before he would have become an unrestricted free agent. Terms of the deal are reported to include $45 million over three years, with $30 million guaranteed.
The 25 year old Sherwood is coming off the best season of his career. In his fourth season with the Jets in 2024, Sherwood replaced an injured C.J. Mosley in the lineup and thrived. He put up career highs of 158 tackles and 98 solo tackles. The latter number led all NFL players. His New York Jets teammates rewarded Sherwood’s breakout performance by naming him the Jets’ MVP.
The large contract for Sherwood may have implications for C.J. Mosley’s future with the team. The soon to be 33 year old Mosley will count for $12.8 million in cap space in 2025. Cutting him with a post-June 1st designation would save the Jets $4 million in cap space this season, though that space would only become available after June 1st. Whether that fairly meager savings in cap space is enough for the Jets to cut ties with Mosley probably depends on whether the Jets defense envisions two or three linebackers on the field on most downs, and whether the new Jets regime believes Mosley can still be an effective player.
The re-signing of Sherwood is the first major financial commitment the Jets’ new regime has made. Prior to this move the Jets have been busy subtracting form the roster, cutting ties with Davante Adams and announcing their intention to cut ties with Aaron Rodgers. We now begin to get a sense of how the team intends to build up the team. $15 million per year is a lot to pay a linebacker. It will be interesting to see how Sherwood responds to the big payday.