Jets $3 million budding star predicted to leave New York for Titans

Mike Moraitis

Jets $3 million budding star predicted to leave New York for Titans image

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The New York Jets haven't had many bright spots during what has been an epically disappointing season, but linebacker Jamien Sherwood has been one of them.

After serving in a reserve role over the first three years of his career, Sherwood has become a starter for Gang Green in 2024 and is answering the bell with a career year in his fourth season.

Sherwood has set career-highs in tackles (103), tackles for loss (seven) and sacks (two) through 11 games, and he's making a case for a Pro Bowl nod. The former fifth-round pick's best season couldn't come at a better time, as he's in the final year of his $3.8 million rookie contract.

While the Jets will likely have interest in keeping the 24-year-old, he's going to have plenty of suitors. With that, and with the Jets being a total dumpster fire, it isn't crazy to think Sherwood could fly the coop in 2025.

With that in mind, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine predicts Sherwood will be a match for the Tennessee Titans, a team that could be in the market for a linebacker during the upcoming offseason.

For instance, Kenneth Murray Jr., despite getting an interception on Sunday, has struggled. Going back to free agency to find a replacement might be an offseason priority. If that's the case, Jamien Sherwood would make a lot of sense.

The 24-year-old has proved himself as an asset to the Jets defense as a smaller linebacker at 6'2", 216. He would instantly improve the Titans' pass coverage in the middle of the field.

Of the Titans' current group of linebackers, only Kenneth Murray, Cedric Gray and James Williams are under contract in 2025, so the Titans are going to need a depth option or two, at least.

But Gray is no lock to be a starting-caliber player next year after an injury-plagued and overall disappointing 2024 campaign, and Williams is a seventh-round pick who will be fortunate to be on the roster next year.

Murray has been exactly what we expected him to be, which is nothing special, so clearly the Titans have a concern at the position when it comes to starters.

Turning 25 in January, Sherwood is young enough to be part of the Titans' rebuild and would provide an immediate boost to the run defense, and he's much better in coverage than anyone the Titans have now.

Considering the Titans' prospects at the linebacker position in 2025, it makes sense to link Sherwood to Nashville.

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.