Jets Likely to Sign Lions Linebacker in 2026 Free Agency
It’s no secret that the New York Jets need help on defense. The defense was absolutely atrocious in 2025, putting up some stats that didn’t even feel real during the season. While everyone involved with the defense shares some of the blame for the problems, the biggest issue arguably was the linebackers. Thankfully, help may be on the way. There have been reports that pending free-agent linebacker Alex Anzalone has interest in reuniting with his former defensive coordinator in Aaron Glenn on the Jets.
Anzalone has been a stalwart on the Detroit Lions’ defense for years now, and would be an excellent fit for many reasons. The first and most obvious one would be the connection with Glenn. Glenn, as he was the defensive coordinator for the Lions before becoming the Jets’ head coach, already has a very good relationship with Anzalone. Many Jets fans have compared Glenn possibly bringing in Anzalone to when Rex Ryan brought in Bart Scott. On top of being an upgrade at the position, he’s also a tone-setter and a culture-builder. Anzalone has been on bad teams and seen them transform into good ones, and he’s done it with Aaron Glenn. Anzalone wouldn’t just be a linebacker for them; he’d be an extension of Glenn on the field.
Anzalone would also be a great mentor for young guys on the roster. He could help get Jamien Sherwood back to playing well after a down season, or help develop a young linebacker if they decide to go that way in the draft. If Anzalone ends up coming to the Jets, it’s because he’s buying what Aaron Glenn is selling. He has a good relationship with him, is a good player, and is an exact cultural fit for what Glenn wants his team to be. The Anzalone signing would be a big win for the team and Glenn, since it shows that, contrary to what many believe, people and players around the league still believe that Glenn is a good coach and a guy worth playing for. In an offseason full of people already writing off this coaching staff, that could be all that’s needed.
