The 2025 offseason has been a key moment in the New York Jets‘ rebuilding process. Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the team has made several moves to rejuvenate the roster after Glenn previously worked alongside Dan Campbell. This transition even prompted a former player—whose last stint in the NFL was with the Detroit Lions—to say he wants to return to the Green Team.
The post-Rodgers era has officially begun, and the Jets continue to stay active. In recent hours, they announced the signing of defensive end Michael Fletcher and the release of kicker Greg Zuerlein. Strengthening the defensive line and refreshing the roster seem to be clear goals for New York.
While the younger players on this revamped Jets squad will rally behind Justin Fields on offense, Glenn’s team could still benefit from adding a bit of experience on defense—especially if it’s someone who has already played for Gang Green and last suited up for the Campbell’s Lions, where Glenn worked until just a few months ago.
Which former Lions player wants to return to the Jets?
The former Lions player who has expressed his desire to return to the Jets is none other than free agent safety Jamal Adams. “I would love to be back with the Jets and, obviously, finish it the right way,” Adams said on The Jets Lounge, via ESPN.
“Man, that would be a dream come true, just to patch up that relationship and kind of make it right. What I regret the most is that Joe Douglas and I never had a single phone call or face-to-face conversation before my trade. That’s where I wish we could make things right, because I can’t speak for him, but I didn’t handle things the right way back then,” Adams added.
Why did Adams leave the Jets?
Adams’ career with the Jets was on the rise, but due to differences with then-general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Adam Gase, the safety drafted sixth overall in 2017 was eventually traded to the Seattle Seahawks in a controversial exit. Now, looking back, Adams wants to redeem himself.