The New York Jets' defense needs to be significantly improved in 2026 after the abomination that was 2025.
For that to happen, there needs to be a combination of better coaching, improved play from the returning starters, and new contributions from offseason acquisitions, veterans and rookies alike.
A returning veteran who needs to be considerably better is linebacker Jamien Sherwood.
The Jets signed Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million extension prior to last season. His $15 million average annual salary makes him a top-10 paid linebacker in the NFL. Sherwood didn't meet those expectations in 2025, but could regain form in 2026.
Sherwood registered 154 tackles last season, but the tape proved he was largely ineffective. There are so many reasons
to believe he'll be significantly improved in 2026. Coaching, scheme, and teammates are at the center of those hopes.
Head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Brian Duker will employ a downhill scheme that should take advantage of Sherwood's aggressiveness. Sherwood will also have a new running mate at linebacker, with the experienced Demario Davis providing some much-needed stability and leadership opposite him. The defensive line and secondary are also supposed to be better, providing more support for the linebackers.
Sherwood possesses every quality required to enjoy a bounce-back season in 2026.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Can Jets LB Jamien Sherwood bounce back during 2026 NFL season?
