Boom: No Surprise! Aaron Glenn set to sign Detroit Lions’ Star as core part of his plan

It was easy to see coming, but a core part of Aaron Glenn’s plan in free agency for the Jets has been all but fully confirmed.

As expected, former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn wasted no time to set the tone when officially introduced as the New York Jets’ head coach on Monday.

“To any players who are here now, put your seat belts on and get ready for the ride,” Glenn said. “Listen, there’s going to be some challenges. But with challenges comes opportunity. But here’s what I do know: We’re the freaking New York Jets, so we’re built for this s–t.”

Glenn also made it clear he’ll have no time for any nonsense from the “vaunted” New York media.

As Glenn moves further into setting a new culture in New York, there’s still a chance he hires a coach or two from the Lions’ staff he just left (though the number viable options is naturally dwindling). That effort to set a new template would also presumably include players from his time with the Lions, with upcoming free agents the most obvious possibilities.

Rumored part of Aaron Glenn’s free agency plan for Jets is no surprise

On Monday night, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda had some notes about the Jets and Glenn.

“As Aaron Glenn has been officially introduced as head coach of the New York Jets, many here in Frisco are predicting he will bring several of his former defensive players from the Detroit Lions to join him in New York once free agency begins; or at the very least he will pound the table to get them in a Jets uniform.”

Even without Pauline specifically reporting it, the natural focus for former Lions’ players Glenn would want to bring to the Jets in free agency would be on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback Carlton Davis, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, defensive end Marcus Davenport, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and linebacker Derrick Barnes are the most notable Lions’ defensive free agents.

Pauline went further to pass along a name who may particularly be on Glenn’s radar to bring to the Jet in free agency.

“One player I’m told Glenn will target in free agency is linebacker Derrick Barnes, the Lions’ fourth-round pick out of Purdue in 2021 who will be on the free-agent market after completing his rookie contract. Barnes started 13 games in 2023, but he played in just three last season after tearing an MCL and PCL when he was cut block.”

The idea of Glenn wanting to bring some of his former Lions’ defensive players to New York is hardly a surprise. It’ll come down to who he wants/can get, and (obviously) how much effort the Lions put in to keeping certain guys.