The New York Jets made a significant change when they signed Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million contract, leading to the release of veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley. For Sherwood, Mosley’s influence on his career has been profound—he credits Mosley for shaping his journey in the NFL.
Sherwood expressed deep gratitude for Mosley’s mentorship, highlighting how the former captain supported him from the beginning. Initially intimidated by Mosley’s reputation, Sherwood soon found him to be an invaluable guide. “He’s just been great,” Sherwood said, describing how Mosley consistently answered questions and provided support. Mosley welcomed Sherwood under his wing, fostering a collaborative spirit that Sherwood believes made his current success possible.
Drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Sherwood transitioned from safety to linebacker—a position where Mosley had long been the leader. Though initially disappointed to switch positions, Sherwood remained determined to succeed. Despite his doubts, he embraced the challenge, trusting that his journey to the NFL had a greater purpose. He viewed the position change as another step toward fulfilling his potential.
A key factor in Sherwood’s development was learning the intellectual aspect of the linebacker role. Mosley taught him the value of anticipating plays and reading offensive formations. According to Sherwood, the smartest players gain an edge by understanding what the opposing team will not do, allowing them to react faster. This mental preparation, Sherwood explained, gave him and his teammates a crucial advantage on the field. By mastering the mental side of the game, he improved his ability to communicate with the defense and increase their overall speed and efficiency.
Sherwood’s early NFL career faced challenges. An injury limited him to just five games during his rookie season. However, he bounced back to play in every game during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. During that time, he contributed significantly on special teams, logging 729 plays along with 219 defensive snaps.
Meanwhile, Mosley remained a dominant force for the Jets. Over three seasons, he recorded 478 tackles—ranking fourth in the NFL—and played 3,338 defensive snaps. However, injuries caught up with Mosley in 2024. Toe and neck problems restricted him to just 110 defensive snaps across four games. With Mosley sidelined, Sherwood stepped up and seized the opportunity.
During the 2024 season, Sherwood emerged as a defensive leader. Playing 1,065 defensive snaps, he led the entire NFL with 98 solo tackles and accumulated 158 total tackles. His outstanding performance earned him the Jets’ Curtis Martin Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player.
The transition from Mosley to Sherwood marks a new era for the Jets’ defense. While Mosley’s legacy as a leader and playmaker remains, Sherwood’s rise symbolizes the passing of the torch. With Mosley’s guidance as a foundation, Sherwood has established himself as a key figure for the team’s future, proving that preparation and mentorship can transform potential into success.
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