By no means is this free agency option a star player, but he's instantly one of the defense's best players.
The New York Jets defense is coming off of one of the most abysmal seasons in NFL history. Last season, the Jets gave up the 8th most total yards in the league and the second most PPG in the league. You pair that with not recording a single interception and changes need to be made.
Those numbers are bad enough, but when you factor in that they just hired a 'defensive-minded' coach in Aaron Glenn, it becomes inexcusable.
You can bring up that they traded away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, but those moves didn't take place until halfway through the season.
If the New York Jets want to look respectable next season, they will need to start on defense. There are reports that New York could look to bring in one of Aaron Glenn's defensive pillars from Detroit this offseason.
Jets and Alex Anzalone Have Mutual Interest
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.It was reported by Tony Pauline that the New York Jets and LB Alex Anzalone could have mutual interest as free agency approaches.
As previously mentioned, Anzalone has a history with Aaron Glenn in Detroit. Glenn served as the defensive coordinator of the Lions from 2021 to 2024, and the entire time, Anzalone was a captain and one of the pillars of his defense.
If the Jets were able to bring in Anzalone next season, while he'd certainly help as an instant starter, it would come down to how much they pay him to determine if the move is a home run.
Anzalone is still a solid player, but he's 31 years old and certainly coming out of his peak as a player. It's been reported that several teams are interested in signing him to a multi-year deal, so if it comes down to a bidding war for an aging linebacker, the Jets should stay put.
If New York is able to sign him on a reasonable contract, Anzalone would be a fantastic signing. A day one starter who could help set the new culture of this Jets team moving forward and help train up new players as a steady veteran force in the locker room.
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