Aaron Glenn clarifies what defensive look Jets will sport in 2026

The New York Jets are undergoing some major changes on the defensive side of the ball. Not only have a half-dozen new players come to town via free agency, but Aaron Glenn will call plays alongside Brian Duker after ending the ill-fated Steve Wilks era.

Many have speculated that Glenn is going to switch up the defensive front of this team, moving from a 4-3 alignment to more of a 3-4 scheme. Glenn didn't give any definitive answers when asked about it, as he is trying to make the Jets' unit seem more versatile and flexible.

Glenn used the term "multiple" when describing how he wants his defense to look, saying that he doesn't want to be pinned down with either a 3-4 or 4-3 designation. Glenn and Duker are going to go all-in on multiple-front looks this season.

Aaron Glenn doesn't think Jets will be locked in as 3-4 or 4-3 defense

On one hand, the Jets are likely to draft one of two players who could thrive as 3-4 outside linebackers in Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey, and the addition of T'Vondre Sweat suggests that this team is eyeing a traditional nose tackle who can help fit a 3-4 scheme better.

However, the signings of David Onyemata and Joseph Ossai appear to be moves more suited to a scheme with four down linemen, and Glenn has historically chosen to use four defensive linemen. Would he be willing to make such a dramatic change in a season where he is calling the plays?

The Jets do seem to be placing an emphasis on versatility. Between Minkah Fitzpatrick being able to play as either a deep safety or closer to the line of scrimmage in addition to Onyemata being able to move around the defensive line, Glenn wants his defense to shapeshift in 2026.

As the team decides on either Reese or Bailey, it seems like Reese may have an edge due to this organizational directive to get a bit more flexible. Reese's ability to play both linebacker and edge rusher might be what ultimately helps him get the leg up that he needs.

Glenn is talking a big game about the improvements the Jets have made in the offseason, and while a jaded fanbase will need to see some results before they believe, there are some signs that things are starting to slowly turn in the right direction.