David Onyemata’s message to Aaron Glenn makes latest Jets signing special

Aaron Glenn made it clear this offseason that leadership would be a priority on defense. The New York Jets have spent the early hours of free agency adding veteran voices to a unit that lacked consistency and stability a year ago, and their latest move fits that vision perfectly.

The Jets have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran defensive lineman David Onyemata on a one-year, $10.5 million deal that includes $9.65 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Onyemata joins a revamped defensive front that already added Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai earlier today, along with T’Vondre Sweat in a trade with the Tennessee Titans last month.

Onyemata brings familiarity with Glenn from their time together in New Orleans. The veteran lineman has spoken glowingly about Glenn in the past, even sharing a powerful moment with him following the Jets’ game against the Falcons last season that showed just how much the Jets head coach means to him.

Aaron Glenn changed David Onyemata's life and how he's signed with the Jets

Following the Jets’ 27–24 win over the Falcons last November, Onyemata sought out Glenn to tell him how much he had “changed his life” during their time together in New Orleans. The powerful moment was caught on camera. Click here to watch the video clip.

A fourth-round pick of the Saints in the 2016 NFL Draft, Onyemata spent the first seven seasons of his career in New Orleans, where he crossed paths with Glenn. Notably, Glenn wasn’t even his position coach — he served as the Saints’ defensive backs coach from 2016 to 2020.

But that speaks to who Glenn is as a coach. A former player himself, Glenn has a reputation for connecting with people across the locker room, earning their trust quickly and helping them grow simply by investing in them.

It’s evident that Glenn left a significant impact on Onyemata, which likely played at least a partial role in his decision to sign with the Jets and reunite with his former coach.

It also fits into the broader theme of what the Jets have clearly prioritized on defense this offseason. Glenn has made an effort to surround the unit with experienced veterans he knows and trusts. The signing of Demario Davis, the trade for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and now the addition of Onyemata all reflect that approach.

More than just talented players, these are respected leaders with strong locker-room credibility. Glenn has seen firsthand what Davis and Onyemata bring to a defense, both on the field and behind the scenes.

Combined with Fitzpatrick’s presence in the secondary, the Jets suddenly have the kind of veteran leadership that has been missing in recent years. In short, Glenn has made sure the defense now has adults in the room.

David Onyemata is simply the latest example of it.

Aaron Glenn changed David Onyemata's life and how he's signed with the Jets

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