Free agent linebacker could be exactly what Jets defense needs right now

The New York Jets had one too many problems with their team in 2025, but one of the ones that stuck out like a sore thumb was the linebacker position.

Their tandem of Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams was one of the worst in the league last year, an especially painful fact considering New York had just extended Sherwood on a three-year, $45 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid inside linebackers in all of football.

Sherwood was a middle-of-the-pack player, ranking 35th out of 88 qualified linebackers in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus, while Williams had one of his worst years as a pro. He graded out as the 76th-worst linebacker in the league.

New York let Williams walk in free agency and brought in 37-year-old Demario Davis to bring some stability to the position. It should allow Sherwood more chances to play weak-side linebacker, the role that earned him the big extension in the first place.

But the Jets still have a clear weakness at the position, and virtually no depth behind their two starters. Are there any available free agents that could give New York some strength at linebacker?

Jets should look into free agent linebacker Bobby Okereke

After not adding a linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets' backup plan behind Davis and Sherwood is special teams ace Marcelino McCrary-Ball and 2025 fifth-round pick Kiko Mauigoa.

Instead of relying on borderline NFL-caliber linebackers, New York should check in on free agent linebacker Bobby Okereke's market.

After spending the last three years with the New York Giants, Okereke was a cap casualty in John Harbaugh's overhaul of his new organization.

The former Indianapolis Colts draft pick is a productive player, but clearly, the Giants felt he wasn't living up to his price tag. Enter the Jets.

Spotrac expects Okereke to land a three-year, $36.3 million deal on the open market, but considering he's still available this late in the offseason, his price is unlikely to be that high.

If the Jets can get him on a one-year deal, he could be an incredible addition and even compete with Sherwood as the other starting linebacker alongside Davis.

Okereke is coming off a down year. He graded out as PFF's 53rd-worst linebacker in 2025, but that doesn't mean he couldn't still thrive with a fresh change of scenery.

At best, he could be an impact start for the Jets, and at worst, he could be quality veteran depth at a thin position group.

Either way, he's worth checking into if the price is right, and Darren Mougey should absolutely be keeping tabs.

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