The New York Jets reportedly have interest in two linebackers in free agency.
According to SNY's Connor Hughes, Detroit Lions linebacker and pending free agent Alex Anzalone is "the biggest name to keep an eye on" when it comes to the Jets' pursuit of a linebacker.
Hughes also notes that the Jets have interest in New York Giants linebacker and pending free agent, Micah McFadden, as a fallback option.
"The biggest name to keep an eye on with the Jets is LB Alex Anzalone, per sources. They've been linked for awhile," Hughes reported. "There's a robust market for him, though. I don't get the sense it's a slam dunk signing."
"Fallback for NYJ could be Micah McFadden, but the Giants are trying to retain him. There is interest in him from the Jets," Hughes added.
The Jets have a need at linebacker after a disappointing season from Jamien Sherwood, and because of the pending free-agent status of Quincy Williams.
Head coach Aaron Glenn knows Anzalone well from their days together with the Lions, when Glenn was Anzalone's defensive coordinator.
After the Lions paid Derrick Barnes, and with Jack Campbell set for an extension, as well, the expectation is Anzalone will be playing elsewhere in 2026.
Anzalone, who is 31 but is still playing at a high level and is a great leader who would help build the culture in New York, does a little bit of everything well.
Last season, he posted Pro Football Focus grades of 65.6 in run defense, 65.2 in the pass-rush and 65.3 in coverage. He also notched 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception and a career-high nine passes defensed.
McFadden blossomed into a starting-caliber player during his four years with the Giants. The former fifth-round pick broke 100 tackles in 2023 and 2024 and was elite at getting after the quarterback in the latter year. McFadden does not offer much in coverage, but he is a solid run defender.
The Giants pending free agent only appeared in one game last season because of a foot injury, but that will keep his price low. In fact, McFadden said he plans on signing a one-year "prove it" deal in free agency.
Money will not be an issue for the Jets, who have $73.8 million in cap space.
But would either player be interested in taking part in what will be a length rebuild for the Jets? That remains to be seen.
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