The Jets kicked off the free agency by keeping one of them.
The team has agreed to a deal with linebacker Jamien Sherwood on their new contract Sunday, sources confirmed.
The deal is three years and $45 million, guaranteed to be $30 million, which is huge for players who didn't start the year with their starting lineup.
This is the first important signature by new general manager Darren Mougey to lock players voted for Team MVP last year.
The 25-year-old began as a backup last season, but started 16 games as CJ Mosley dealt with injuries.
Sherwood has 158 tackles, indicating that he could be the team's full-time starter.
The Jets drafted Sherwood in the fifth round of the 2021 draft.
He was safe for Auburn, who was moved to linebacker with the Jets.
Sherwood only started seven times in his first three seasons, but appeared last year in Mosley's absence.
The Jets are currently signed by a strong starting linebacker, with Sherwood and Quincy Williams signing for new coach Ahlong Ren.
Sherwood was seen as the top priority for the Jets' free agent.
They are expected to lose cornerback DJ lead and tight end Tyler Conklin in free agency this week.
The Jets would have made another hole in their defense if they had made Sherwood walk.
They already need to address free agency and draft defensive lines, cornerbacks and safety.
Sherwood was the team's main tackler and had two bags last season.
He was also a defensive signal hoping.
