After finishing with the second-worst defense in the league, the Jets need help. Fortunately, with head coach Aaron Glenn returning to play-calling, it should help the unit. However, they still need the personnel in place to bring meaningful change. Thankfully, the tools are in place to remedy this via their draft capital and cap space. One important method is to reunite with players Glenn is familiar with. Last offseason, the Jets defense shockingly featured offseason additions, Glenn was coaching the first time. As an inexperienced head coach, it’s a shocking decision for a new regime. This time, Glenn knows reuniting with some old faces will make things easier. Here are three candidates from Aaron Glenn’s past who could be Jets this offseason.
Three Free Agents Aaron Glenn Could Reunite With on the Jets
Given how things ended last year, drastic measures are needed while Glenn is on the hot seat. After overhauling the coaching staff and assuming playcalling duties, it’s a start. The Jets defense will & should be a priority for general manager Darren Mougey. Things started strongly after acquiring defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Titans via trade. With one week to go before the league year starts, free agency can officially begin. Here are some free agents with a history of Aaron Glenn who can come in to help.
Alex Anzalone, linebacker
Addressing the linebacker room will be crucial for the defense to succeed. With Quincy Williams heading into free agency and Jamien Sherwood lacking impact size, the right guy can go a long way. One option could be longtime Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone. After finishing with three seasons with over 95 total tackles during his five seasons in Detroit, Anzalone was an underrated asset in the Lions resurgence.
One of the biggest benefits of adding Anzalone is the years-long connection between Anzalone & Glenn. In fact, except for last year, Aaron Glenn shared a sideline with Anzalone every season in his career. When Anzalone was drafted by the Saints in 2017, Glenn was the secondary coach in New Orleans. Bringing in Anzalone would not only give Glenn a familiar face but a respected locker room leader who can help the roster buy into Aaron Glenn’s vision.
Demario Davis, linebacker
Speaking of reunions, one interesting name could be this former Jet returning to the team. In 2012, the Jets drafted linebacker Demario Davis from Arkansas State. After a three-year stint, Davis left for Cleveland in 2016 as a free agent. However, New York re-acquired him from the Browns via trade in 2017; that year, Davis led the league in solo tackles with 97, a career high. However, New York opted to let him leave in free agency, so Davis went down south to sign with the Saints. Now teammates with Anzalone & joining Aaron Glenn, Davis became a staple in the Saints defense. Between 2019 and 2023, Davis finished with five All-Pro honors, including first team in 2019.
Despite entering his age 37 season, Davis was still a serviceable player last year with a career high 143 total tackles. Signing Davis carries a major risk for a drop in production. But, thanks to his age and previous Jets tenure, who better to have as a vocal leader in the locker room?
Marshon Lattimore, cornerback
Earlier on Monday, reports emerged that the Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a potential cut candidate. Last season, Lattimore suffered a torn ACL in November against the Seahawks. After beginning his career with the Saints, Lattimore’s production dipped and failed to reach his outstanding defensive rookie of the year campaign in 2017. Thanks in part to the input of secondary coach… yes, Aaron Glenn. Glenn has played a key role in Lattimore’s production. In fact, 10 of Marshon’s 16 career interceptions came during Glenn’s tenure with the Saints from 2017-2020.
Commanders releasing CB Marshon Lattimore. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/HZosU5SuSb
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2026
While Lattimore was bad during his 11-game stint in Washington, he did secure his first interception in over a year. While it’s not the greatest of production, it’s still one more interception than the entire Jets secondary got last year. If his recovery keeps progressing, taking a flyer on Lattimore could be a solid addition opposite Brandon Stephens. In addition, having Lattimore could hopefully boost the development of second-year cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – Imagn Images