5 Detroit Lions free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the New York Jets

Aaron Glenn could try to bring one or more of the Lions’ free agents with him to the Jets.

Aaron Glenn has been named the new head coach of the New York Jets, following weeks of speculation.

So the Detroit Lions are looking for a new defensive coordinator, which is exactly what head coach Dan Campbell expected. While some Lions assistant coaches may follow Glenn to New York, it’s possible that some players may also leave in free agency.

According to reports, Glenn is looking for an experienced defensive coordinator, and Steve Wilks has been mentioned frequently since Glenn took over as head coach of the Jets. But the Jets’ core defensive philosophy will undoubtedly bear Glenn’s imprint, which is to say (assuming he brings his philosophy from Detroit) that they will blitz frequently and play a lot of man coverage.

The Jets appear to have some defensive players who fit Glenn’s defensive style well. But he will undoubtedly want some players who are already familiar with his scheme/philosophy and who fit in well. And, when it comes down to it, some upcoming Lions free agents who developed a relationship with Glenn during his four years in Detroit may be willing to follow him to New York.

Here are five upcoming Lions free agents who may follow Glenn to New York.

5 Lions 2025 free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the Jets

5. DE Marcus Davenport

The Lions took a one-year chance on Davenport last offseason, and while this year’s injury was rather random (an arm/elbow injury when Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson chopped down on his arm in Week 3), the undeniable reality is he just can’t stay healthy (six games played over the last two seasons). He has also had only three sacks in his last 21 games, indicating that his potential as a former first-round pick is fading quickly.

So Davenport will be joining his fourth team in as many seasons in 2025. Where that will be is unclear, as his options are likely limited.

Glenn was a member of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff when he was draughted 14th overall in 2018. As far as low-risk options for bolstering their pass rush are concerned, the Jets could do worse than Davenport.

4. DL John Cominsky

Cominsky missed the entire 2024 season after tearing the MCL in his right knee during training camp. In his previous two seasons with the Lions, he had 66 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and 20 quarterback hits as a useful and versatile defensive lineman.

Cominsky found a home in Detroit after being claimed off waivers in 2022. This season’s injury makes it unlikely that he will be re-signed this offseason, but reuniting with Glenn in New York is definitely possible as the Jets retool their defence.

3. LB Derrick Barnes

Barnes’ 2024 season ended early (Week 3) due to a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee from a low block.His ACL remained intact, so there appeared to be a slim chance he could have returned before the season was over. But that was resolved before the regular season ended, and the Lions’ playoff run was short-lived.

Barnes has matured into an excellent all-around off-ball linebacker in Glenn’s defensive scheme over the last few seasons. Aside from any concerns about his injury recovery in March, the Lions have some good depth at linebacker and could let him go on the open market without fear of not being able to replace him.

Barnes was a college defensive end who made the full transition to linebacker once he reached the NFL. Glenn would value that versatility, as well as his familiarity with him. The Jets’ new defensive scheme (again, assuming Glenn’s success in Detroit) would necessitate more traditionally sized linebackers, rather than Jamien Sherwood, who thrived in the previous scheme this season but is a converted safety (216 pounds).

2. DL Levi Onwuzurike.

Onwuzurike was finally 100% healthy this season, and it showed. His traditional surface stats won’t blow your mind (28 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss), but he did have 13 quarterback pressures (according to Pro Football Reference), and Pro Football Focus ranked him as a top-25 defensive tackle in the NFL.According to PFF, his pass-rush win rate of 12.5% ranked him among the top 15 defensive tackles.

“Onwuzurike has flashed whenever he’s been healthy during his first four seasons in the league, after being draughted one round ahead of recently extended interior defender Alim McNeill in 2021. The former second-round pick from Washington is the penetrating three-technique interior pass-rusher that every team covets, with a 12.5% pass-rush win rate in 2024 ranking among the top-15 at the position.”
-Professional Football Focus

One fully healthy season, no matter how good it was, will not allow Onwuzurike to completely break the bank in free agency (PFF projects a two-year, $16.5 million contract with $10 million guaranteed). However, he has most likely priced himself out of the Lions’ ability to re-sign him, leaving the Jets (and Glenn) as an easy landing spot.

1. CB Carlton Davis.

Davis proved to be the Lions’ ideal veteran cornerback this season, with his skills (77.0 passer rating allowed, 11 pass breakups) and swagger. He also finished the season sidelined with a broken jaw, continuing a run of injuries dating back to his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has missed at least four games in each of the previous four seasons, and durability concerns persist as players age.

During the Lions’ season-ending press conference on Thursday, general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged Davis’ outstanding performance and stated that no contract talks are currently underway.

“I thought we got some great play from him. I’ll be honest, I thought he played better this year than the previous year, or last year in Tampa, and he’ll tell you the same thing,” Holmes said. “So, no intense action yet, but we’re very aware of it and we’ll go through our normal process.”

Sauce Gardner is obviously the Jets’ top cornerback. However, D.J. Reed, a running mate, is a free agent and appears to be seeking new opportunities.

“I’m ready for free agency, bro. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me,” Reed told Tyler Dunne on The Go Long podcast late this season.

Davis is an obvious replacement for Reed if the Jets must go that route, almost too easy, given his connection to Glenn and familiarity with the new defensive scheme. The Lions must strike a balance between Davis’ age (28) and how many years and money they can commit to him, which will be difficult given that he is likely to have multiple suitors.

Davis may want to stay in Detroit. However, Glenn’s attraction to the Jets, assuming they are interested, appears to be strong.