Jamien Sherwood, the young linebacker for the New York Jets, is generating considerable buzz as he heads into free agency following a stellar performance in the 2025 season. After previously starting only three games in his first three years, Sherwood exploded onto the scene, starting 16 games and leading the league with 98 solo tackles.

His total of 158 tackles, along with two sacks and ten tackles for loss, speaks volumes about his breakout year at just 25 years old. With Spotrac projecting his value to be over $14 million for two years, it’s clear that Sherwood is poised to cash in. Reports suggest there is mutual interest between Sherwood and the Jets in a new contract, hinting at a potential reunion that could solidify the Jets' defensive front.

The Las Vegas Raiders are facing critical offseason decisions that will play a significant role in determining their success for the upcoming season. With plans to revamp their roster through free agency and the draft, the team must also prioritize retaining key free agents. Among them, linebacker Robert Spillane stands out as a top unrestricted free agent for the Raiders. After joining the team two years ago, Spillane has emerged as a reliable three-down linebacker, finishing the recent season ranked third in tackles.

Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe recently placed Spillane 60th on his list of the top 100 free agents, highlighting his impressive performance on the field. Despite some areas needing improvement, such as his coverage skills, Spillane's contributions, including two interceptions, showcase his value. However, the Raiders face a tough decision regarding a long-term contract for Spillane, considering his performance variability and the risk of investing heavily in him as a three-down linebacker.

The New York Jets have made a significant addition to their coaching staff by hiring Steve Wilks as the new defensive coordinator, as announced by ESPN. Wilks, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, was out of the league last season after a disappointing tenure that included a firing post-Super Bowl LVIII.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who emphasized his aim to not call defensive plays to focus on head coaching responsibilities, believes Wilks' experience will be valuable. This move comes as the Jets look to maintain their strong defensive performance while facing potential roster changes as key players become free agents.

The New York Jets have named Darren Mougey as their new general manager, replacing Joe Douglas, as they look to revitalize a franchise that has experienced a 14-season playoff drought. Mougey, previously the assistant GM for the Denver Broncos, has a strong track record in player evaluation and was regarded highly during the interview process, where he outshone 14 other candidates. He will be joined by first-time head coach Aaron Glenn to spearhead the Jets' rebuilding efforts. Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed confidence in their ability to turn the franchise around, with Mougey aiming to build a championship-caliber team. The duo faces immediate challenges, including assessing the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a non-guaranteed deal for the upcoming season amid speculation about his intentions. Additionally, critical roster decisions loom, including negotiations with key free agents and potential contract restructures, particularly for receiver Davante Adams, who indicated that Rodgers' status would significantly influence his own future with the team.

The 2025 NFL free agency is shaping up with several prominent linebackers set to hit the market. Among them, Dre Greenlaw of the San Francisco 49ers stands out after returning from an Achilles injury, demonstrating excellent coverage skills that should attract attention. Similarly, Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his hard-hitting run defense despite some coverage limitations, is expected to be a valuable asset. Bobby Wagner's veteran presence with the Washington Commanders remains crucial, consistently earning high grades for his performance. Ernest Jones, now with the Seattle Seahawks after two trades in one season, and Zack Baun with the Philadelphia Eagles also look to enhance their value in this free agency. Other notable linebackers include Jamien Sherwood of the New York Jets, Lavonte David from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Robert Spillane of the Las Vegas Raiders, Tyrel Dodson from the Miami Dolphins, and Eric Kendricks, recently with the Dallas Cowboys, all of whom will be evaluated by teams looking to bolster their defenses.