The New York Jets’ quiet 2025 free agency period under new head coach Aaron Glenn reveals a deliberate, methodical approach to team building. Glenn’s strategy closely mirrors the successful blueprint he helped implement with Dan Campbell during their first year with the Detroit Lions in 2021. By prioritizing younger players with upside, avoiding expensive veteran signings, and focusing on cultural transformation, Glenn aims to replicate the Lions’ journey from perennial underachievers to legitimate contenders.
As Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2025, Glenn played a pivotal role in Detroit’s dramatic turnaround. Their partnership began with the Lions at rock bottom, with Campbell’s memorable “bite a kneecap” speech setting a tone of toughness and resilience. That mindset propelled the Lions from a 3-13-1 record in 2021 to a 15-2 mark and the NFC’s top seed in 2024.
The Lions’ rebuild under Campbell and Glenn focused on patient, value-driven roster construction rather than splashy acquisitions. Contemporary analysis of their 2021 approach noted, “The big-name free agents were never really in play for Detroit... Instead, plenty of cost-effective players have been brought in that will likely have sizeable roles.” This strategy is strikingly similar to what Glenn is now implementing with the Jets.
Rather than chasing high priced veterans, Glenn has signed younger players with developmental potential on reasonable contracts. Additions like Justin Fields (26), Brandon Stephens (26), Andre Cisco (24), and Josh Myers (26) reflect the Lions’ 2021 philosophy of targeting players with room to grow rather than established stars commanding premium salaries.
Similar to the Lions’ draft focused strategy with targeted free agent signings, the Jets have prioritized value deals, such as Cisco’s one year, $10 million contract and Myers’ $3.5 million deal. This balanced approach maintains financial flexibility while addressing immediate needs and depth.
Perhaps the most significant parallel is Glenn’s focus on cultural transformation. In Detroit, Campbell’s player-centric approach fostered a positive, resilient atmosphere, shifting the organization from a culture of disappointment to one of optimism and hope. Glenn’s firsthand experience with this shift informs his current strategy in New York, as he works to build a similar foundation of character and locker room fit.
Retaining internal talent is also a priority. Just as the Lions emphasized continuity, the Jets recently re-signed linebacker Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million extension while retaining restricted free agents like Tony Adams, Xavier Newman, and Irv Charles.
The evidence suggests Glenn is intentionally applying lessons from Detroit’s successful rebuild to the Jets. By emphasizing youth, modest contracts, cultural change, and roster flexibility, Glenn is crafting a sustainable path forward. For Jets fans, this methodical approach may require patience, but it offers a proven formula for turning a struggling franchise into a contender. With foundational pieces like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Sauce Gardner already in place, the Campbell blueprint could finally provide the stability and direction the Jets have long lacked.