The New York Jets recently hired Aaron Glenn, former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, as their new head coach. This move has led to speculation that several of the Lions’ upcoming free agents might follow Glenn to New York.
Tony Pauline from Sportskeeda reported that Glenn is expected to “pound the table” to persuade the Jets to sign some of Detroit’s players who will become free agents in 2025, with linebacker Derrick Barnes being a particular target.
“As Aaron Glenn has been officially introduced as head coach of the New York Jets, many here in Frisco (at the Shrine Bowl) 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,” Pauline stated.
“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,” he added.
As Glenn settles into his new role, having players who are already familiar with him and his system will be crucial. One such player who might follow him is cornerback Carlton Davis, a pending free agent from the Lions.
Marissa Myers from TWSN predicts that Davis could leave Detroit after just one season to join the Jets. She wrote, “With Davis having spent a season under Glenn in Detroit, he knows the scheme and would provide the vocal leadership and experience needed.” Myers continued, “Davis had two interceptions and six pass breakups last year and provided hard-nose, physical tackling when it came to stopping the run as well. He ended up finishing as a top 30 cornerback, and allowed just 583 yards in coverage, with only 198 yards after contact.”
“For a Jets’ defense that struggled to find consistency and had difficulty tackling, Davis would be a welcomed addition,” Myers concluded.
Davis was acquired by the Lions in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 offseason to strengthen the secondary, and he performed well until a season-ending injury. In 13 games, Davis allowed a completion rate of 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0, both of which were among his best career statistics. However, Davis has a history of injuries, never playing a full season and often missing more than two games in a year.
While the Lions may consider bringing Davis back, they could also opt to start 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. instead.
The Jets have a significant need for a starting cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner, as D.J. Reed is unlikely to return based on his recent comments. “I’m ready to go to free agency, bro,” Reed told Go Long’s Tyler Dunne. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me.”
Davis would not only bring leadership to the defensive side of the ball but also serve as a solid replacement for Reed.
Pro Football Focus projects Davis will command a three-year, $42 million deal in free agency. Despite the Jets’ projected cap space of only $20.5 million in 2025, they should still be able to afford Davis by making adjustments to their salary cap.
