Jets HC Aaron Glenn Expected to Target Lions Defender: Analyst

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike reacting in the middle of an NFL game.

When a new head coach gets hired in the NFL, some of their players from a previous stop often come over with them.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report expects that to occur with Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets.

Knox said Detroit Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike “should top” Glenn’s free agent wish list with the Jets.

“Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, who was drafted in 2021, experienced every facet of Detroit’s turnaround. He battled through a three-win season as a rookie and through a back injury that cost him the entire 2022 campaign. He was a legitimate difference-maker this past season, finishing with 28 tackles, a forced fumble, and 13 quarterback hits,” Knox said.

“Onwuzurike would be a solid fit for the Jets, even if Glenn weren’t the head coach. Their defensive line was more good than great this past season, and they could lose Haason Reddick, Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, and Leki Fotu in free agency. With Glenn [overseeing] New York’s latest rebuild, Onwuzurike makes even more sense,” Knox explained in an article for B/R. “The 26-year-old has the potential to be a long-term building block next to Quinnen Williams in New York’s defensive interior. He could help Glenn install his defense and instill the sort of winning culture the Jets haven’t enjoyed in over a decade.”

Projected Free Agent Contract, Fit With the Jets

Onwuzurike, 26, entered the league as the No. 41 overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

During his four-year career, the veteran defensive tackle has appeared in 42 games and has made 10 starts.

Onwuzurike has 3.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 68 total tackles, and four tackles for loss. While the raw pass rush numbers may not wow you – the former Washington product has raised eyebrows in the analytical community.

“The former second-round pick out of Washington is the penetrating three-technique interior pass-rusher that every team covets, with his 12.5% pass-rush win rate in 2024 ranking as a top-15 mark at the position,” according to Pro Football Focus.

PFF ranks him as the No. 40 overall best free agent in 2025 by PFF and specifically the third-best interior defensive lineman that is expected to be available.

Onwuzurike is expected to sign a two-year deal for $16.5 million with $10 million of that guaranteed, per PFF. That $8.25 million annual salary would place him at No. 30 among the highest-paid interior defensive linemen in the NFL, per Over The Cap.

Onwuzurike is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason with his rookie deal set to expire.

A Top Priority for the Green and White in 2025

One of the top goals for Glenn should be finding a Robin to Quinnen Williams’ Batman.

This past Jets season was destroyed because of poor play on the defensive line specifically at defensive tackle. The entire season was Williams and then a bunch of other guys on the interior defensive line.

“A running mate for the stud defensive lineman is overdue — especially after the Jets traded away John Franklin-Myers for a baggy of Werther’s Original last year. Gang Green has repeatedly tossed assets at the edges, leaving the interior to Q and whatever parts were lying around. With Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas headed to free agency, it’s time to get Williams a difference-making mate who will take advantage of the one-on-ones the big guy provides,” Kevin Patra of the NFL Media Group said. “The Jets defense struggled for spells in 2024 partly because it was thin up the gut.”

Glenn plucking fruit from his old stomping grounds could go a long way toward solving the interior defensive line issues.

Stunning Prediction Sees Jets Bring in ‘Unique’ ‘Future All-Pro Talent’

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty reacting after a college football game.
The New York Jets could raise some eyebrows in the 2025 NFL draft.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein predicted that the Jets would do just that by selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round of his mock draft.

“The analytics community won’t like this pick, but so be it. The Jets have a stagnant offense and Breece Hall has not reached 1,000 yards rushing in any of his three seasons. Jeanty provides instant adrenaline to the offense and creates buzz in Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach,” Zierlein explained.

Zierlein called Jeanty a “unique talent” who “has future All-Pro talent” in his writeup ahead of the NFL combine.

Jeanty was a Heisman finalist this year after his record-breaking season for Boise State. He finished with 2,601 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, and he averaged seven yards per rushing attempt.

A Potential Jets RB Draft Decision Would Be Historic
1990.

That was the last time the Jets invested a first-round draft choice at the running back position. It didn’t work out well.

Penn State’s Blair Thomas ended up being the No. 2 overall pick in that draft and only lasted four years in New York.

The Jets already have a really talented young back in Breece Hall. However, he is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. The former Iowa State product is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

This offseason Hall is eligible to discuss a contract extension with the team. They have a new regime making decisions with head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.

Do you give Hall a raise and pay him a premium contract? Or do you let his deal play out and let him walk at the end? Or do you consider flipping him to a team this offseason and explore alternative options?

Jets Have Considered Doing This Before
The green and white selected Hall with the No. 36 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. Hall showed plenty of flashes in his rookie season, but tore his ACL seven games in and missed the rest of the year.

That next offseason the Jets considered making a monumental move in the draft.

NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler revealed on social media in late April of 2023 that the Jets “had their eye” on running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, but the Detroit Lions beat them to the punch.

“Jahmyr Gibbs going 12th. Surprised he landed in Detroit, but I LOVE the player and what his impact could be in that scheme. If Gibbs didn’t go 12, the Jets had their eye on him at 15. He was going top-20. Special offensive weapon,” Brugler said on social media.

Jahmyr Gibbs going 12th. Surprised he landed in Detroit, but I LOVE the player and what his impact could be in that scheme.

If Gibbs didn’t go 12, the Jets had their eye on him at 15. He was going top-20. Special offensive weapon.

The day after the Lions took Gibbs in the first round, I had Jets senior reporter Eric Allen on my show. He told me that it would have been “very interesting” if Bijan Robinson or Gibbs would have still been on the board for the Jets at pick No. 15

Fascinating #NFLDraft nugget 🧐 I just had #Jets senior Reporter @eallenjets on my radio show & he said if Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs was on the board at No. 15 it would’ve been ‘very interesting’ for the Jets 👀 #TakeFlight

There was a lot of smoke out there that the Jets were highly coveting Gibbs in that draft.

If the Jets were willing to take a RB in the first round a year after taking Hall – why wouldn’t they consider doing the same thing a few years later?

Now the front office that considered taking Gibbs is no longer employed at 1 Jets Drive, but it makes you think.

Especially considering the Jets’ current head coach Aaron Glenn just came from Detroit where he got to see Gibbs’ impact up close and personal.

BREAKING: Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers Reveals shocker on his next move following….

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers stunned his team and fans alike with a shocking announcement. In a recent interview, Rodgers explained his decision to step back from the game, leaving many puzzled and searching for answers. Known for his leadership and resilience, Rodgers’ unexpected revelation sent ripples through the Jets organization and the NFL world.

The star quarterback, who joined the Jets after a high-profile trade from the Green Bay Packers, had been expected to lead the team to a new era of success. However, Rodgers’ sudden decision to potentially step away from football raised questions about his future with the franchise. Many were left wondering whether his commitment to the game had waned or if there were other factors at play.

In his interview, Rodgers shared that his decision was rooted in personal reflection and a desire for growth. He explained that after years of playing at the highest level, he had reached a point where he needed to reassess his priorities and think about his life outside of football. “I’ve been through a lot, and sometimes you need to step back to truly understand what matters most,” Rodgers said.

Though Rodgers didn’t completely rule out returning to the field, he expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities he had in the NFL. “I’ve accomplished so much, and now it’s time to focus on other things,” he continued, emphasizing that the future remains uncertain, but he is at peace with his decision.

His announcement came as a surprise to many, but it also showcased the quarterback’s self-awareness and maturity. Whether or not he returns to the field, Aaron Rodgers’ journey will continue to be one of intrigue and inspiration for both fans and athletes alike.

Jets Predicted to Add Star 6-Foot-6 OL Who Can ‘Dominate’

LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell reacting after a college football game.
Regardless of who is playing quarterback for the New York Jets in 2025, they will need some protection.

NFL draft analyst Bucky Brooks helped add some more in his latest mock draft for the NFL Media Group. With the No. 7 overall pick, he predicted that the green and white would select LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell.

“Building up the trenches is a part of the Jets’ plan to compete with the AFC’s heavyweights. Campbell is a rock-solid offensive tackle prospect with the size, strength, and skill to dominate on the edges from Day 1,” Brooks wrote.

Campbell was the first OL off the board in Brooks’ simulation. The massive LSU hog molly is listed at 6-foot-6 and tips the scales at 323 pounds, per the LSU athletics website.

Campbell Could Be the Final Piece to the Jets O-Line Puzzle
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The Jets’ offensive line is actually considered a strength for once heading into the offseason. Four of the five starters are under contract.

Olu Fashanu at left tackle, John Simpson at left guard, Joe Tippmann at center, and you have Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard. The only question mark is who will be playing right tackle in 2025.

Morgan Moses was the starter for the majority of the year but he is scheduled to hit the open market of free agency in March.

Moses has expressed a desire to return, but a new regime is in charge with Aaron Glenn at head coach and Darren Mougey at general manager.

The Jets would provide themselves a lot more flexibility heading into the draft if they brought Moses back. For example, last season the Jets signed Tyron Smith in free agency to play left tackle. That provided the team flexibility on draft day to go with the best player available, which happened to be Fashanu.

This provided the Jets with the luxury to slowly develop Fashanu instead of just throwing him into the fire from day one. The Jets could employ the same strategy with Campbell by re-signing Moses.

Jets Would Be Adding Elite Player to the Trenches
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NFL draft analyst Russell Brown of Fantasy Pros and Betting Pros also mocked Campbell to the Jets on “Boy Green Daily.”

“I know I said I haven’t graded everybody out [from this draft class], but Will Campbell is going to be one of the two or three best players on my board without question. This would be the player that I would select. I think he is a safe pick,” Brown explained to me. “I don’t know who the quarterback is going to be but if I’m them, I’m taking Will Campbell and that would be the guy. He is so consistent.

His stance is kind of sloppy – he looks like he just crawled out of bed but he is just so consistent with his post foot, his set foot, and he is able to create some separation there and keep guys at bay and keep them away from the quarterback. I love the way he strikes, I love the way he can climb, I think he can move in space. It’s a boring pick but we are talking about protecting your franchise.”

The Jets haven’t used a first-round pick in back-to-back years on an offensive lineman since 2020-2021. Gang Green took Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker in consecutive drafts.

In 2006 the Jets used both of their first-round draft choices that year on offensive linemen with Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson.

Dolphins Urged to ‘Swing’ for Projected $36 Million Defensive Lineman

CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani argued the Miami Dolphins should target Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Milton Williams in NFL free agency.

Miami Dolphins insiders have argued this offseason that the team must find a way to get more physical. One of the best ways to do that, particularly on defense, is to add a defensive lineman such as Milton Williams to the roster.

On January 30, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani identified Williams as the one player the Dolphins “should prioritize signing” during 2025 NFL free agency.

“The Dolphins have several pending free agents on the defensive line such as Calais Campbell and Benito Jones,” Dajani wrote. “Upgrading on the defensive interior is something Anthony Weaver will fight for, and Miami could swing for the former Eagle that recorded a career-high five sacks and 10 QB hits in 2024.”

A third-round pick for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, Williams is coming off a breakout fourth season. In 2024, he registered 24 combined tackles, including seven tackles for loss, along with career highs of five sacks and 10 quarterback hits.

Williams also played a career-high 501 defensive snaps during the 2024 regular season.

Spotrac projected Williams to be worth about $36 million on a three-year contract this offseason.

How Milton Williams Could Fit With the Dolphins

On January 30, The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad didn’t list defensive tackle among Miami’s top three needs this offseason. But Schad expressed that the Dolphins overall goal this spring and summer should be to add physicality to the roster to complement their speed.

It would help if the Dolphins could also address their pass rush. Miami finished the 2024 season ranked 27th with 35 sacks.

Adding Williams would certainly satisfy the latter need. While his sack total didn’t skyrocket, Williams took a huge step forward as a pass rusher in 2024 according to the Pro Football Focus player rankings.

In 2023, Williams earned a PFF pass rushing grade of 62. That grade jumped to 91 for the 2024 campaign.

The only defensive lineman in the NFL with a better PFF pass rushing grade this past season was Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones.

Granted, Williams struggled in run defense and tackling according to PFF. But he fared much better in those categories at the analytical website during the past two seasons.

The Dolphins could sign Williams, hoping he continues to pass rush at an elite level while getting back to his 2022 and 2023 levels in run defense and tackling.