As the New York Jets head into the 2025 offseason, the team faces several key decisions regarding their roster. One of the most pressing needs for the Jets’ defense is at cornerback. With D.J. Reed expected to leave in free agency, the Jets are left searching for a reliable partner for Sauce Gardner. In this crucial moment, it could be wise for the Jets to target veteran cornerback Carlton Davis, a player who has ties to their newly appointed head coach, Aaron Glenn.
Davis, a seasoned cornerback, spent his first six years in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning recognition for his strong play on the perimeter. However, last season, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he played under Glenn, who was the defensive coordinator. During his one season in Detroit, Davis was able to showcase his talent and experience, recording 56 total tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended in 13 games. His performance caught the attention of many, earning him a career-high 74.5 Pro Football Focus grade for the 2024 season.
The Jets’ cornerback room is far from settled. While Sauce Gardner emerged as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks in his rookie season, the other starting spot remains a question mark. Brandin Echols, who filled in as the number two corner, is set to hit free agency, and the Jets’ depth behind him consists of unproven players like Qwan’tez Stiggers. For the Jets to truly solidify their defense, they need to bring in a reliable veteran, and Davis fits that role perfectly.
What makes this potential reunion even more intriguing is the relationship between Davis and Aaron Glenn. Having spent a year working together in Detroit, Davis is familiar with Glenn’s defensive philosophy and coaching style. This familiarity would allow Davis to step in and contribute immediately, bringing stability to a secondary that is in need of leadership and experience. Having a player who understands Glenn’s system could help accelerate the transition and provide continuity for the defense.
Davis, a former second-round pick in 2018, has accumulated 380 total tackles, 11 interceptions, and 84 passes defended over the course of his seven-year career. His physicality, combined with his strong ability to cover receivers, would give the Jets a reliable cornerback opposite Gardner. Davis has shown that he can excel in multiple facets of the game, and his versatility would make him a valuable addition to New York’s defense.
Another asset that Davis brings is his experience in big-game situations. Having won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2020, Davis understands the pressure of high-stakes games. This level of experience would be invaluable to the Jets, who are looking to return to playoff contention. His leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments would give the defense a steady presence in critical situations.
The Jets have been on a steady upward trajectory, with their defense ranking as one of the best in the league over the past two seasons. However, their 2024 regression showed that they still have work to do. Adding a player of Davis’ caliber would provide a huge boost to a secondary that needs reinforcements. His physicality, ability to defend the run, and coverage skills would elevate the entire unit, allowing the Jets to become a more complete defense.
While the Jets could certainly explore the free-agent market for other cornerbacks or even consider adding a younger talent through the draft, the stability and experience Davis brings to the table could make him the perfect fit. His relationship with Glenn and his proven track record in the league should make him a top target for the Jets. A move to reunite Davis with Glenn would strengthen the defense and solidify one of the most critical positions on the field.
Additionally, Davis’ ability to mentor younger players could have a long-term benefit for the Jets’ secondary. With Sauce Gardner continuing to develop into one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, having a veteran like Davis around would only accelerate his growth. Davis could share valuable insights into covering top-tier receivers and navigating the intricacies of defensive schemes, helping the Jets build a more cohesive and talented defensive backfield.
The decision to pursue Davis would also be a reflection of the Jets’ commitment to improving their defense for the long haul. The cornerback position is often one of the most crucial on a defense, and with Reed set to leave, the Jets cannot afford to gamble on unproven talent. Davis is the type of player who can step in and contribute immediately, making him an ideal addition to a team looking to make a deep playoff run in 2025.
While the Jets have a promising future ahead of them, they will need to continue adding key pieces to their defense if they are to compete at the highest level. Bringing in a player like Davis, who has the experience, skill set, and leadership qualities that are so important in the NFL, would be a move that could pay dividends for years to come. With Glenn now at the helm, this reunion could provide the stability the Jets need to reach new heights.
In conclusion, the Jets’ pursuit of Carlton Davis should be a top priority in the 2025 offseason. His familiarity with Aaron Glenn’s defensive scheme, combined with his proven success in the league, makes him an ideal fit for the Jets’ cornerback group. By adding Davis, the Jets could not only improve their defense but also establish a strong veteran presence in their secondary. This move would be a step in the right direction for a team looking to contend for the playoffs and beyond.