Jets Linked to $6 Million Veteran Lions LB in Free Agency

Alex Anzalone could be the perfect replacement for Quincy Williams in New York.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York Jets are in the middle of a major rebuild, but they have the salary cap space to be aggressive in free agency. One player they are reportedly interested in is veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, who played under Jets head coach Aaron Glenn when he was the defensive coordinator in Detroit.

Why it matters

The Jets are looking to overhaul their defense this offseason, and Anzalone could provide veteran leadership and experience to help anchor their linebacking corps. With Quincy Williams expected to depart in free agency, Anzalone would be a logical replacement.

The details

Anzalone, who turns 32 in September, spent the past five seasons with the Detroit Lions, including four under Glenn as defensive coordinator. The Jets have a need at linebacker with Williams not expected to return and Jamien Sherwood coming off a disappointing 2025 season. Anzalone would address both an on-field need and provide veteran leadership in the locker room.

  • Anzalone is set to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason.
  • Williams is expected to depart the Jets in free agency this offseason.

The players

Alex Anzalone

A 32-year-old veteran linebacker who spent the past five seasons with the Detroit Lions, including four under current Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.

Quincy Williams

An All-Pro linebacker for the Jets who was benched midway through the 2025 season and is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency.

Jamien Sherwood

A Jets linebacker who is coming off a disappointing 2025 season.

Aaron Glenn

The current head coach of the New York Jets, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions when Anzalone played there.

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What they’re saying

“One of the more surprising developments from Glenn's first season with the Jets was what he did not do: bring former players with him. He hired familiar coaches, but no ex-Lions were added to help reinforce his standard in the locker room. That is uncommon for a first-year head coach.”

— Connor Hughes, Reporter (SNY)

“Anzalone, who turns 32 in September, spent the past five seasons in Detroit, including four under Glenn as defensive coordinator. With Quincy Williams not expected to return and Jamien Sherwood coming off a disappointing 2025 season, Anzalone would address a need both on the field and in the locker room.”

— Connor Hughes, Reporter (SNY)

What’s next

The Jets will need to determine if Anzalone is the right fit and make an offer to the veteran linebacker in free agency.

The takeaway

The Jets have the salary cap space to be aggressive in free agency, and targeting a veteran like Anzalone who has experience playing under their new head coach could be a smart move as they look to rebuild their defense this offseason.