What is the Jets linebacker outlook?
By: Jake Rajala
The New York Jets don’t have the “Dome Patrol” on defense, but they still have a talented LB unit. The Jets top linebacker C.J. Mosley had unusual health issues across 2019 and 2020 – as he is played in a mere two games. He registered 168 tackles (fourth in the NFL), 2 FF, 2 sacks, and 3 QB hits last season. PFF wasn’t generous with his 2021 performance (40.5 grade), but I honestly believe he deserves kudos for his production in a lackluster situation. Michael Nania of Jet X noted that he recorded a stop on 5.5% of his defensive snaps, which placed in at 15th of 74 LBs. He might have struggled in the passing game, but the Jets also ranked 25th in sacks and failed to oust a consistent quality pass rush. Mosley is 30 years old and he will be a free agent in the 2025 off-season.
The Jets also will expect Quincy Williams, Hamsah Nasirdeen, Marcell Harris, and the recently signed Kwon Alexander to be impact players for them at the LB spot. Williams notched 110 tackles and 2 sacks a season ago. He will seek to garner a hefty contract extension after his fourth season in the league. Nasirdeen is entering his second NFL season and he could be a long-term OLB starter. He had flashes last season, but he doesn’t have overly impressive athletic ability or superb experience.
If Alexander, also known as Saleh’s former LB in SF, can stay healthy, I forsee him starting alongside Williams and Mosley in 2022. He notched 3.5 sacks, 50 combined tackles, 7 QB hits, 1 interception, and 7 TFLs a season ago. It would be an understatement to say he was a nice addition to Saleh’s collection on Day 2 of mini-camp.
