The Patriots apparently hope to add an impending free agent from one of their biggest rivals.
“Defensively, rumor has it the Patriots covet Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who fits the new prototype Vrabel is seeking at that position,” the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed reported Sunday.
The 25-year-old played his first four seasons with the New York Jets. The 2021 fifth-round pick is coming off his most impressive season as he recorded 158 tackles with 10 tackles for loss in 17 games (16 starts).
“The 6-foot-2, 216-pounder hits harder than his listed frame would suggest, the exact type of physical, violent player Vrabel wants,” the Herald wrote.
“The Patriots are working to infuse more speed in their defensive front, which will feature smaller, faster players under Vrabel and new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams compared to most of their defenses of the past two decades.”
ESPN listed Sherwood as its 37th-ranked player on its top 50 free agents. Spotrac predicts his market value to be a two-year, $14.4 million deal.
Sherwood, however, wasn’t listed in a foursome of “top priority” free agents for the Patriots.
That label reportedly belongs to Ronnie Stanley, Milton Williams, Charvarius Ward and Chris Godwin.
