The New York Jets had eht NFL’s worst defense in 2025 under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, with a lack of talent proving to be one of the club’s biggest issues. Fortunately for Glenn, he’ll have an opportunity to change that this offseason in NFL free agency.
NFL insider Tony Pauline reported from the Shrine Bowl that there’s been a lot of talk aroudn the league suggesting that Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone is likely to depart the team in free agency and reunite with Glenn on the Jets defense.
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Anzalone, well-regarded as a leader, would provide stability in the middle for the New York defense. It has also been previously reported that he has a very close relationship with Glenn, so there could be more continuity in the Jets locker room next season and players who are more experienced playing his system and committing to their roles on the field.
If Anzalone is expected to sign with the Jets, it will be interesting to see if any other Lions free agents in 2026 follow him to play for Glenn. Defensive linemen D.J. Reader, Levi Onwuzurike and Al-Quadin Muhammad, along with cornerback Amik Robertson, are among Detroit’s top defensive free agents.
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With two first-round picks, New York will also be making its defense a top priority in the 2026 NFL Draft. Holding the second overall pick, one popular choice has been All-American linebacker Arvell Reese. While he can play off-ball, many around the league view him as a long-term edge rusher with a very high ceiling.
