Why did wide receiver Josh Reynolds decide to sign with the New York Jets?
Speaking to team reporter Caroline Hendershot, Reynolds revealed why he signed with the Jets over other teams in free agency.
“I think the biggest reason was coach [Aaron] Glenn,” said Reynolds. “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 knew 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.
“I think just being in Detroit, and him being a DB coach and me being a receiver, we kind of got to see each other a lot,” the Texas native continued. “And just kind of talk to each other about things, how he sees this, how you see that.”
Reynolds’ comments about Glenn are exciting for Jets fans, as they continue what has been a praise-filled week for the Jets’ first-year head coach.
While speaking at the owners meetings in Florida, Glenn received a very strong vote of confidence from Lions head coach Dan Campbell. The former Detroit DC also earned rave reviews for the philosophies he shared, particularly his message about prioritizing teaching skills within the coaching staff.
“That’s the No.1 trait you look for in a coach – No. 1 is being able to teach, and No. 2 is being able to develop,” Glenn said. “I hold that to a very high standard in every coach that I have, and that’s one of the things I vet up on every coach is how are they developing and really that’s what coaching is – teaching and developing.”
Reynolds’ words back up Glenn’s statement.
The Jets inked Reynolds to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with $2.75 million guaranteed.
Reynolds, 30, spent three seasons with the Lions (2021-23), appearing in 38 total games. He caught 97 of his 159 targets for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns. During the 2023 season, the Texas A&M product served as Detroit’s No. 2 wide receiver, catching 40 of his 64 targets for 608 yards and five touchdowns.
Following the 2023 season, Reynolds signed with the Denver Broncos on a two-year, $9 million contract. Through the first five weeks of the season, he caught 12 of his 19 targets for 184 yards and a touchdown while posting a 112.4 passer rating when targeted, which rated over 40 points higher than Broncos QB Bo Nix’s average throughout that frame.
The 30-year-old then suffered a finger injury, which left him sidelined into December. During his absence, Reynolds was wounded in a shooting.
Prior to his return from the string of injuries, the Broncos waived the wide receiver, who was then claimed by the Jaguars, where he played a minimal role. Reynolds appeared in five games for Jacksonville, logging one catch on five targets for 11 yards.
While Reynolds isn’t a star, his reliability and familiarity with the coaching staff make him a valuable depth piece for a Jets receiving corps short on proven talent.
