Following the New York Jets’ recent appointment of former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, it is anticipated that some of the Lions’ upcoming free agents will relocate to New York with him.
Indeed, Tony Pauline from Sportskeeda recently disclosed that Glenn is anticipated to at least “bang the table” urging the Jets to acquire some of Detroit’s athletes set to enter free agency in 2025. Pauline specifically highlights linebacker Derrick Barnes.
With Aaron Glenn officially named head coach of the New York Jets, numerous people in Frisco (at the Shrine Bowl) are speculating that he will recruit some of his old defensive players from the Detroit Lions to accompany him to New York when free agency starts; or at minimum, he will advocate strongly to secure them in a Jets uniform,” reported Pauline.
“One player Glenn is expected to pursue in free agency is linebacker Derrick Barnes, the Lions’ fourth-round selection from Purdue in 2021, who will become a free agent upon finishing his rookie deal,” Pauline noted.
As Glenn gets ready for his new role, having players who know him and his system will be a significant advantage. One potential player who might join him in New York is Lions impending free agent cornerback, Carlton Davis.
Considering this, TWSN’s Marissa Myers forecasts that Davis will depart from Detroit after a single season and sign with the Jets during free agency. Here’s what she said regarding that potential combination.
“Since Davis played a season under Glenn in Detroit, he understands the scheme and would offer the necessary vocal leadership and experience,” she stated. “Davis recorded two interceptions and six pass breakups last year, demonstrating tough, physical tackling skills when it came to halting the run as well.” He ultimately ranked as a top 30 cornerback, permitting just 583 yards in coverage, with merely 198 yards after contact.
“Myers concluded that Davis would be a valuable addition for a Jets’ defense that had trouble with consistency and tackling.”
The Lions brought in Davis through a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2024 offseason to strengthen the secondary, which he accomplished prior to sustaining a season-ending injury.
In 13 games, Davis allowed a completion percentage of 55.3% and recorded a passer rating of 77.0. Those scores placed second and first in his career, accordingly. If there’s a single worry regarding Davis, it’s his track record with injuries, since he has yet to play a complete season throughout his career and has not participated in over 14 games in a single season.
The Lions might consider re-signing Davis, but they could also choose to start 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. instead.
The Jets face a significant demand on the side opposite Sauce Gardner, since D.J. Reed is unlikely to return given his statements regarding his future in New York.
“I’m prepared to enter free agency, man,” Reed informed Tyler Dunne of Go Long. “I’m eager to discover what lies ahead for me.”
Davis wouldn’t merely provide Glenn with a leader on defense capable of implementing his scheme; he would also serve as a solid substitute for Reed.
In terms of what Davis is expected to earn in the open market, Pro Football Focus predicts he will secure a three-year contract worth $42 million.
The Jets face a challenging salary cap scenario, as the team is estimated to possess only $20.5 million in cap space by 2025, based on Over the Cap’s analysis. Nonetheless, by making certain reductions and being inventive with the salary cap, New York should manage to afford Davis if it desires to do so.