Jets' biggest roster need getting praised as a strength seems unusual

The New York Jets have remade their defense on several levels in the 2026 NFL offseason, and the linebacker room might be the room that received the biggest individual injection. Quincy Williams was allowed to leave for the Cleveland Browns, and Demario Davis made a triumphant return to New York to pair with Jamien Sherwood.

ESPN seems to believe this combination of a wily veteran and a promising young player looking to bounce back is going to be one of the biggest reasons the Jets will improve in 2025. Per Mike Clay, the biggest strength for the Jets, who had the 25th-ranked roster in the NFL, is this two-man linebacker duo. Why the praise for Sherwood? He has 308 tackles in the last two years. Sure, why not?

While this linebacker combination could be one of the more impressive areas of the team, the lack of depth this team has at the position is not just something that fans need to worry about. It could end up being the factor that prevents Aaron Glenn's defense from taking the next step.

Jets LB room ranked as team's biggest strength by ESPN despite poor depth

In a vacuum, Davis and Sherwood should be a solid starting tandem. Even at age 36, Davis was one of Pro Football Focus' 10 best linebackers last season. With Sherwood getting demoted back to the Robin role after a poor stint as Batman last season, those two could work in tandem to make some sweet music in the 2026 season.

The issue comes with depth, or lack thereof. If Davis starts to show his age and Sherwood continues to regress, the Jets won't have anywhere to turn. The backup linebackers at this point are 2025 fifth-round pick Kiko Mauigoa, practice squad find Mykal Walker, and special teamer Marcelino McCrary-Ball.

Mauigoa is a solid thumper in between the tackles, but his limited athletic ability makes him a liability in coverage. Walker's solid performance as a backup last season may be more of a one-month hot streak on a bad team than signs of major change, and McCracy-Ball is only on the roster for special teams purposes.

The Jets, who have some money to spend, might be able to address these issues by signing a veteran of some note. Bobby Okereke and Matt Milano are still out there if they want someone with some spice, while Germaine Pratt and Jerome Baker could be enticing veteran LB3 depth options.

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