Jets may need this 1 free agent to avoid slow start after 2026 schedule release

The New York Jets will need to show right away that their improved roster is capable of translating into wins in the 2026 season, as the Robert Saleh rematch against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 will be followed by three straight games against the much-hyped NFC North in the Packers, Lions, and Bears. Three of their first four games are on the road.

The Jets, to their credit, have overcome their relative lack of star power by creating a well-rounded unit with depth at several key areas. The one area where they are a bit thin is linebacker. The projected starters are Jamien Sherwood, fresh off the worst year of his career, and the still amazing Demario Davis, who is 37 years old.

Behind those two, players like Mykal Walker and Kiko Mauigoa are firmly backup-level replacements. However, veteran Bobby Okereke is still hanging around the free agent pool if Darren Mougey wants to add someone here.

Okereke, who spent last season with the New York Giants, would either provide quality depth as a backup or push Sherwood for one of the two starting spots if things start to falter once again. With oodles of cap room, this signing makes a ton of sense.

Jets may look to sign Bobby Okereke after 2026 schedule release

Okereke's 56.7 PFF grade last season suggests that he took a step back last season, but even that grading would stand out when compared to Walker or Mauigoa. However, the Jets might be able to mitigate some of his biggest issues.

Okereke ranked 81st in the NFL in run defense, while he was in the top 30 in coverage grade. Sherwood was ripped apart in coverage, and there could be something worth exploring in a semi-platoon system wherein Okereke can make up for some of No. 44's shortcomings.

The Jets chose not to pick a linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, which was regarded as having one of the deepest and most impressive linebacker classes in recent memory. While Davis should be a supercharger that lifts this room up, he can't make up for Sherwood's struggles alone.

Okereke beefing up the linebacker room would be the last box Mougey needs to check before he can confidently claim that, outside of quarterback, his Jets roster in 2026 can roll into the year knowing that pretty much every unit can hold their own in what is going to be a very difficult campaign.

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