Steve Wilks connection could land NY Jets this veteran locker room leader

Newly minted New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been given the keys to the defense under head coach Aaron Glenn. The former Detroit Lions DC will undoubtedly have input and a hands-on approach to all aspects of the team, but he has hired Wilks to coordinate that unit in a shared vision.

Under Wilks and Glenn's shared philosophies, the Jets will run an aggressive hybrid scheme featuring much more man coverage than Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich's defenses deployed the last four seasons. Although the base defense will likely remain a 4-3, expect a heavy nickel-based alignment run by Wilks, with the slot cornerback position playing a pivotal role.

The new defensive staff is inheriting some outstanding players from a previous regime, who were handpicked to fit a specific style. Some, like star nickel Michael Carter II and cornerback Sauce Gardner, are seemingly perfect fits on paper for what Wilks wants to do defensively.

However, as is the case with any new coaching staff, they will want to recruit players familiar with their ethos.

Wilks is well respected by players for his tough love approach. This ideology is in lock step with Glenn's, and several of his former soldiers are set to hit the open market. One in particular stands out as a player who could aid Wilks in the transition and help set the tone in the locker room.

The Jets have many question marks at linebacker heading into free agency. The team will likely part ways with veteran C.J. Mosley. In addition, impending free agent Jamien Sherwood will be highly sought after in free agency by his former coaches, Robert Saleh, who is back in San Francisco, and Jeff Ulbrich, in Atlanta.

Those two departures would make Quincy Williams the lone returning starter from last year's opening day linebacking corps. Williams will be playing on the final year of his contract. As a result, a complete rehaul of the position is a strong possibility.

Shaw Thompson could reunite with Steve Wilks on the NY Jets

In the event of these changes, the Jets will need to acquire a veteran linebacker. That's where Shaq Thompson, one of Wilks' most prominent supporters in Carolina and one of his best players, enters the picture.

The longtime Panthers leader will be 31 years old next season. As a hybrid safety/linebacker, Thompson has played a 'big nickel' role for Wilks' defense for multiple seasons.

Because of his injuries — he played only six total games over the last two years — Carolina has decided to move in a different direction. Over the previous two seasons, Thompson has broken his fibula and torn his Achilles.

Despite Thompson's strong resume and high character traits, questions about age and durability could limit his value on the open market. However, for the Jets, he would be an ideal fit for establishing a new culture in the locker room and helping his former coach Wilks install his defense.

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