Two Jets Targets Emerge With Aaron Glenn–Lions Connections

The New York Jets are looking to add players familiar with new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's system.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The New York Jets have over $83 million in salary cap space this offseason and are looking to be aggressive in free agency. According to reports, the Jets are actively targeting two Detroit Lions players with connections to new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn: linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Amik Robertson. The Jets want to bring in players who know Glenn's system and can help establish his vision for the defense.

Why it matters

The Jets are looking to rebuild their roster this offseason after a disappointing 2025 season. Keeping Glenn as defensive coordinator provides some continuity, but the Jets want to surround him with players who understand his coaching style and defensive scheme. Bringing in Anzalone and Robertson, who have prior experience playing for Glenn in Detroit, could help the Jets' defense improve quickly.

The details

The Jets are reportedly interested in signing linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Amik Robertson, both pending free agents from the Detroit Lions. Anzalone is considered the "obvious" target, having played under Glenn in Detroit. Robertson is a nickel corner who also had a close relationship with Glenn and is seen as a tough, hard-nosed player who buys into Glenn's coaching. The Jets may look to upgrade their cornerback position and feel Robertson could be a better fit than current starter Jarvis Brownlee.

  • The Jets have over $83 million in salary cap space for the 2026 offseason.

The players

Aaron Glenn

The New York Jets' defensive coordinator, who previously held the same role with the Detroit Lions.

Alex Anzalone

A pending free agent linebacker who played for Aaron Glenn with the Detroit Lions.

Amik Robertson

A pending free agent cornerback who played for Aaron Glenn with the Detroit Lions and is considered a tough, hard-nosed player who buys into Glenn's coaching.

Jarvis Brownlee

A cornerback for the New York Jets who the team may look to upgrade over in free agency.

Frank Reich

The new head coach of the New York Jets, hired this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“They need to bring in somebody who has played for Aaron Glenn before to help establish what he's looking for. I'm not going to say the obvious one. Alex Anzalone is the obvious one and I think he would be a Jet. But the Lions have a cornerback named Amik Robertson... he's more of a nickel. Him and Aaron Glenn were really close. He was really good for the Lions. He's a tough, hard-nosed kid who buys into everything Aaron Glenn is selling.”

— Zack Rosenblatt, Reporter

What’s next

The Jets will need to negotiate contract terms with any free agents they target, including Anzalone and Robertson, during the upcoming offseason.

The takeaway

The Jets are looking to add players with direct experience in new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's system, prioritizing continuity and familiarity as they aim to rebuild their roster this offseason. Signing Anzalone and Robertson could help the Jets' defense improve quickly under Glenn's leadership.