New Jets WR can’t stop praising Aaron Glenn after latest comments

Josh Reynolds made it clear on Tuesday what drew him to the New York Jets this offseason: Aaron Glenn.

Speaking to reporters after the Jets' OTA practice, Reynolds told The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, “I was excited to be a part of it,” once again noting that Glenn was the biggest reason he signed with the team.

The two spent three years together in Detroit, and Reynolds has never hidden his admiration for the Jets’ new head coach. That praise isn’t exactly new.

Back in April, Reynolds told team reporter Caroline Hendershot that Glenn’s leadership and the culture he builds were key selling points. Now reunited with both Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, Reynolds is hoping to carve out a role in a crowded but unproven Jets wide receiver room.

Josh Reynolds is certainly happy to play for Aaron Glenn and the NY Jets

Reynolds’ praise for Glenn isn’t just lip service. As noted, the two spent three years together in Detroit, with Glenn running the defense while Reynolds held down a consistent role in the Lions’ receiving corps.

Glenn’s leadership and presence clearly left a lasting impression, and it was strong enough to help sway Reynolds to join the Jets despite other options in free agency. His relationship with Engstrand, another former Lions coach, only added to the appeal.

Now 30 years old, Reynolds arrives in Florham Park looking to bounce back from a turbulent 2024 season. He signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Denver Broncos last offseason, but his time in Denver was derailed by an injury and an unfortunate series of events.

Reynolds was placed on injured reserve in October with a hand injury, then just a week later, he was the victim of a shooting incident. He was waived by the Broncos a few months later and eventually signed with the Jaguars, where he appeared in four games but managed just one catch for 11 yards.

It was a significant step back from his productive 2023 campaign with the Lions, when he posted 40 catches for 608 yards and five touchdowns as one of Jared Goff’s most trusted targets. That version of Reynolds is exactly what the Jets hope they’re getting in 2025.

The opportunity is certainly there. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ wide receiver room is filled with uncertainty. Reynolds is part of a jumbled group that includes Allen Lazard, Tyler Johnson, fourth-round rookie Arian Smith, gadget weapon Xavier Gipson, and second-year wideout Malachi Corley.

Reynolds’ familiarity with the coaching staff could give him an early edge on the competition. He knows the system. He knows the expectations. And more than anything, he wants to play for Glenn, the man he says was the driving force behind his decision to come to New York.

After a difficult year, Reynolds has a fresh start, and he’s looking to make the most of it.