Josh Reynolds reveals why he signed with the NY Jets and fans will love it

Reynolds wanted to play for the Jets.

Justin Fried

Josh Reynolds / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The New York Jets are hoping to establish a new culture under head coach Aaron Glenn in 2025. The arrival of the former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator and ex-Jets star cornerback has reignited the fanbase and brought a renewed sense of optimism to the organization.

It's still very early in the process, but the Jets are already starting to see their efforts pay off. Glenn's presence has been a selling point for prospective free agents this offseason, most recently with the team's pursuit of wide receiver Josh Reynolds.

Reynolds spoke with Jets team reporter Caroline Hendershot last week and was asked about his decision to join Gang Green last month. The veteran wideout signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with additional incentive packages that could earn him up to $5 million.

According to Reynolds, however, it wasn't the money that convinced him to join New York — it was the team's head coach.

"I think the biggest reason was coach [Aaron] Glenn. I’ve always been a fan of that dude being with him in Detroit, seeing how he operated, how he carried himself, and how he carried the defense. And I just know he brings something special. He brings the right guys around, brings the right culture around. And I just wanted to be a part of it."
Josh Reynolds

Josh Reynolds signed with the NY Jets because of Aaron Glenn

Reynolds is very familiar with Glenn, having spent three years playing under him in Detroit. The Texas A&M product crossed paths with both Glenn and new Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand on the Lions from 2021 to 2023.

Reynolds witnessed firsthand the turnaround the Lions organization experienced under Glenn and head coach Dan Campbell's leadership, transforming from a three-win team in 2021 to a 12-win team by the time of his final season in Detroit.

The Jets are hoping Glenn can help orchestrate a similar turnaround in New York. Reynolds seems to believe his former and now-current coach can make it happen.

A fellow Texas native alongside Glenn, Reynolds played some of his best career ball as a member of the Lions, hauling in 78 catches for 1,087 yards and eight touchdowns between 2022 and 2023.

He left to sign a two-year, $9 million contract with the Denver Broncos the following offseason, but the 2024 season would prove to be disastrous for the now-30-year-old. Reynolds suffered a hand injury that landed him on the injured reserve and was the victim of a shooting less than a week later.

The Broncos waived Reynolds before the end of the season, and he'd finish the year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In total, he appeared in just nine games, finishing with 13 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown.

The Jets hope a reunion with Glenn can help Reynolds tap back into the steady production he showed during his years in Detroit. If nothing else, they believe his familiarity with Glenn’s culture can bring value to a wide receiver room still searching for depth and experience.

More NY Jets news and analysis:

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.