Linebacker Jamien Sherwood had a breakout year in 2024 and could be a player the Broncos target in free agency.
The Denver Broncos linebackers really struggled this past season. They lost leading tackler Alex Singleton early on in the year and had to rely on Cody Barton and special teamer Justin Strnad to be their starting linebackers. While both players had their moments this past year, they really struggled in the final month of the season.
We saw teams target the Broncos’ linebackers in the passing game and they started to struggle to stop the run. This was the case in the Broncos’ wildcard loss to the Bills who had no issues running the ball against their defense.
On top of this, you have Alex Singleton at age 31, coming off an ACL injury, entering the final year of his deal, and is viewed as a potential cap cut for the Broncos. Meanwhile, Cody Barton and Justin Strnad who were your starters last season are both free agents. So, the Broncos have some serious work to do this offseason at their linebacker position.
As voted by his teammates, @JamienSherwood has been named our 2024 Curtis Martin Team MVP!
— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 3, 2025
One player who may interest the Broncos in free agency is New York Jets linebacker, Jamien Sherwood. The former safety turned linebacker had a breakout year for the Jets defense and is now one of the more intriguing players hitting free agency.
Before this season, Sherwood appeared in 39 games including 4 starts through three seasons and totaled 77 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection. This year, he took over for an injured C.J. Mosley and had himself a pretty productive season. He started 16 of the 17 games for the Jets and totaled 158 total tackles which included 98 solo tackles which led the league, 10 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and 3 pass deflections.
Now, he is set to hit free agency and provides the Broncos an intriguing and up-and-coming option who could solve their issues at linebacker.
Player Profile
Player: Jamien Sherwood
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-2
Weight: 216 pounds
Age: 25 years old
Experience: 5th NFL season
Why the Broncos should sign LB Jamien Sherwood
It’s not often that an emerging talent like Sherwood hits the free agent at 25 years old. He was third in the league in tackles, took over an important position in the Jets defensive and thrived, and showcased leadership skills which is something you want from your middle linebacker. He is exactly what the Broncos need.
While Zack Baun and Nick Bolton are getting all the attention, Sherwood is a name to watch. His best football may be ahead of him since he is only 25 years old, he proved he can be a top linebacker in the league and may not cost as much as the other two mentioned.
What I like about Sherwood is that he is a three down linebacker. He proved he can play downhill and that he is a sure tackler which is proved by his league leading 98 solo tackles. On top of that, he is a former safety so he has coverage ability and enough athleticism to be trusted in coverage. That’s exactly what the Broncos need right now.
He would be an upgrade over what the team had last season and if signed, would be a big part of the Broncos top-ranked defense in 2025.
Why the Broncos will not sign LB Jamien Sherwood
First, we have to see if he even hits the free agent market. Newly hired Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is a defensive coach and it’s likely that he will not let his 25 year old up-and-coming linebacker hit the free agent market. They’re thin at defense and had a down year overall on defense so keeping good players should be a priority.
If he does hit free agency, the Broncos do not have a connection with him. Former Jets head coach Robert Salah is now the defensive coordinator for the 49ers again and Sherwood fits his defense perfectly. Former Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich is now the defensive coordinator for the Falcons and Sherwood just had his breakout year with him. So, I would imagine both teams, who need help at linebacker, would have interest and that there could be mutual interest there. The Broncos would have to sell themselves to Sherwood if they’re interested and open up the check book most likely. The money aspect isn’t a concern, but connections matter in the NFL and I could see that being a reason why Sherwood goes elsewhere this offseason.
Final Thoughts
I like Sherwood as an under the radar addition who be can be part of the answer at linebacker for the Broncos. If signed, I would ideally like to see him paired with a proven veteran who can ease him along with a new team. Whether that be Alex Singleton or another linebacker they sign in free agency.
With that said, I think he will sign elsewhere due to the connections with other teams. Robert Salah was well liked by his players and it would make sense for Sherwood, who fits his scheme well, to sign with them. Especially with Dre Greenlaw expected to leave via free agency as well. The Falcons are another contender due to former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Sherwood had his breakout year under him and the Falcons need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the ball. So, if I would bet he ends up with one of those two teams, but we shall see.
If signed, I would be excited about his move. It would be a somewhat risky signing due to him having one season of good football under his belt. However, with him just being 25 years old, his best football may be in front of him and would give the Broncos a long-term answer at linebacker moving forward.