With Aaron Glenn, the former defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, recently named head coach of the New York Jets, it’s anticipated that he will bring some of the Lions’ impending free agents with him.
Glenn is focused on building the Jets’ team, and having players and coaches familiar with his system will undoubtedly help expedite the process. He is already reportedly targeting Lions passing-game coordinator Tanner Engstrand for the offensive coordinator position.
In addition to Engstrand, Glenn is also expected to pursue Lions free agents. According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the new Jets head coach is likely to target linebacker Derrick Barnes, among others.
“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 reported.
“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,” Pauline added.
Barnes had a standout season for the Lions in 2023, his first full year as a starter, but he suffered a torn PCL and MCL in Week 3, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
Although the Lions value Barnes, it’s possible they will let him go in free agency, especially with Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone under contract for 2025. The fact that Barnes is recovering from a serious injury also complicates his situation.
Another Lions free agent to watch is veteran cornerback Carlton Davis. With D.J. Reed likely leaving the Jets in free agency, they will need a new starter opposite Sauce Gardner.
“I’m ready to go to free agency, bro,” Reed said about his future with the Jets. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me.”
Ultimately, it’s no surprise if multiple Lions players follow Glenn to New York, as former coordinators and players alike are eager to join the Jets’ new regime.
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Jared Goff selected as MVP finalist, multiple Detroit Lions coaches nominated for awards
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is a finalist for MVP, and coach Dan Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are also contenders for NFL Honors awards.
The NFL Honors, the league’s annual awards ceremony, will be held on Thursday, February 6, just days before the Super Bowl. This week, the NFL revealed the finalists for its various awards, and several Detroit Lions could be taking home some accolades.
Notably, Goff is one of five finalists for Most Valuable Player, alongside Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Saquon Barkley. Although it’s unlikely Goff will win, especially since Jackson earned first-team All-Pro honors from the same voters who select the MVP, being named a finalist is a significant achievement. Goff wrapped up the season with career highs, completing 72.4% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 37 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 111.8.
Additionally, Campbell is a finalist for Coach of the Year, competing with:
- Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
- Sean Payton, Broncos
- Dan Quinn, Commanders
- Andy Reid, Chiefs
Moreover, both of the Lions’ former coordinators are finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year. The five finalists for that award are:
- Ben Johnson, Lions OC
- Aaron Glenn, Lions DC
- Brian Flores, Vikings DC
- Vic Fangio, Eagles DC
- Joe Brady, Bills OC
You can view all of the Associated Press finalists for every award here.
The NFL Honors ceremony will air on Thursday, February 6 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX or NFL Network.
