By Blessing 
In 2025, the New York Jets are gearing up for a fresh start, led by a new head coach and, likely, a revamped roster. With Aaron Glenn joining the team, he and his staff will begin by evaluating the current squad, but it’s clear that a significant overhaul of the roster is on the horizon. This could lead the Jets to make some strategic moves in free agency, looking to add key pieces to their team.
While the Jets may not be serious contenders in 2025, they will still be active on the free-agent market, despite having to manage a tricky financial situation. As Glenn looks to reshape the defense, he might turn to some familiar faces from his time in Detroit. Just as Robert Saleh leaned on players he coached in San Francisco when he first took over the Jets, Glenn could look to rejoin forces with a few players he mentored in Detroit. Below are five potential Lions free agents that Glenn and the Jets might target this offseason.
5. Ifeatu Melifonwu, SAF
Ifeatu Melifonwu is a player Glenn knows well, having coached him throughout his entire NFL career. A former cornerback, Melifonwu switched to safety before the 2022 season and has grown into a reliable and versatile backup for the Lions. In fact, he earned a spot on Pro Football Focus’ list as the ninth-highest-graded safety in the league for 2023.
Despite his impressive performance, Melifonwu’s availability has been an issue. He has only played in more than 10 games once, with the 2024 season being a difficult one as he appeared in just three games due to multiple injuries. With the Lions boasting one of the best safety duos in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, Melifonwu could become expendable.
Still, the 25-year-old has plenty of potential, and a reunion with Glenn could offer him a fresh start. If the Jets can find a way to manage his injury history, Melifonwu could provide solid depth and perhaps even develop into a key contributor.
4. Carlton Davis, CB
Cornerback Carlton Davis is another notable free agent from the Lions, and he’s one of the most high-profile players on the market this offseason. Davis came to Detroit via trade in March 2024, after spending his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an immediate impact player for the Lions, thriving in Glenn’s man-heavy defensive scheme and posting his highest-ever Pro Football Focus grade of 74.5.
As the Jets look to shore up their secondary, especially with D.J. Reed likely leaving in free agency, Davis could be a natural fit. His familiarity with Glenn’s system makes him an ideal candidate to fill a significant role in the Jets’ defense. While the Jets will have to weigh the financial commitment, Davis is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency, and Glenn would certainly be open to bringing him aboard for the 2025 season.
3. Levi Onwuzurike, DT
One of the most pressing needs for the Jets this offseason will be rebuilding their defensive line. After several moves last year, the once-sturdy unit has struggled, leaving the Jets in search of reinforcements. Enter Levi Onwuzurike, a defensive tackle who had his best season in 2024 with the Lions. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Onwuzurike remained healthy in 2024 and became a key part of the Lions’ defensive front.
Onwuzurike is at his best as a 3-technique pass rusher, which might not perfectly align with the Jets’ vision for their defensive line. However, the 2024 campaign proved that when healthy, he can be a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. With the Jets needing help in this area, and with Glenn’s familiarity with Onwuzurike’s talents, this could be a reunion worth pursuing.
2. Derrick Barnes, LB
Derrick Barnes, another player who has spent his entire NFL career under Glenn’s coaching, could also be a key addition for the Jets. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Barnes has been a versatile piece for the Lions’ defense. He impressed in 2024, especially when Glenn expanded his role to include more snaps at SAM linebacker, but a knee injury cut his season short in Week 3.
At just 25 years old, Barnes remains an intriguing option for the Jets. He has the ability to play both off-ball linebacker and even take on pass-rushing duties, giving Glenn a versatile option for his defense. With the Jets likely to lose Jamien Sherwood to free agency, Barnes could fill the void, either as a rotational linebacker or a replacement for Sherwood. Considering his familiarity with Glenn’s system and the potential for him to come at a lower cost than other free agents, Barnes could be a smart move for the Jets.
1. Marcus Davenport, DE
The most intriguing free agent on this list is Marcus Davenport, a player Glenn has coached at both the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. While Davenport’s career has been hampered by injuries, he has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. In 2021, he posted nine sacks in just 11 games, showcasing the kind of pass-rush ability that could benefit the Jets’ defense. Unfortunately, injuries have limited him to just six games over the past two seasons.
Davenport represents a high-risk, high-reward option for the Jets. Given his injury history, he might not draw as much interest from other teams, which could work in the Jets’ favor. If Davenport can stay healthy, he could be a key contributor in the pass-rush rotation, and his familiarity with Glenn’s coaching style makes him an ideal target for the Jets. With the team needing to improve its defensive line, taking a chance on Davenport might be a smart move, especially given his upside when on the field.
As the Jets embark on their roster overhaul for 2025, Aaron Glenn will likely look to build his defense with players he knows well. These five free agents from the Detroit Lions represent potential targets that could help revitalize the Jets’ defensive unit and offer a mix of upside and familiarity that Glenn values. While the Jets may not be major players for every top free agent, these connections could prove to be key additions for the team as they look to rebuild for the future.