Jets' Aaron Glenn wants to forge strong relationship with QB Justin Fields
Jets quarterback Justin Fields and Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Credit: Errol Anderson; AP/Matt Ludtke
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Glenn is hoping to create a relationship with Justin Fields that’s similar to what Bill Belichick and Tom Brady had.
Not the way it was at the end, when the relationship was strained to say the least. It was good for most of their time together. Belichick and Brady won six Super Bowls together and saw the game the same way. That’s what Glenn wants.
“I do believe that the head coach-quarterback relationship has to be on point,” Glenn said before practice Wednesday. “I do believe that because you want to be wired a certain way as far as how you think the game should be going, especially in game-management situations. You have to be on the same page.
“Belichick and Brady, I don’t know if he was an extension [of his coach], but the thing is they understood each other. And to me, I think more of that aspect than anything else.”
Glenn picked Fields to be his first quarterback as a head coach. It said a lot about what Glenn thinks of Fields and the type of player he can become.
The Jets are trying to make Fields more of threat passing the football than he has been his first four NFL seasons. He’s been recognized more for his ability to peel off a long run when a play breaks down.
Fields has had some rough moments during camp, but Glenn has continued to defend him. Glenn said they speak every day and spend a lot of time together going over things in his office.
“We make sure that that relationship between me and him is on point,” Glenn said. “We talk about football constantly, and that means a lot to me. And we’re going to continue to grow that way.”
Glenn really likes Fields’ demeanor and how mature he is. Fields’ teammates have noted how calm and unflappable he is.
“It's actually super reassuring in the huddle,” said center Josh Myers, who played with Fields at Ohio State.
Running back Braelon Allen said, “Definitely very calm and poised, and on the field speaks for itself. He’s an explosive playmaker, great arm, great leader. Excited to see what he can do.”
Injury updates
Sauce Gardner (calf), Tyrod Taylor (knee) and John Simpson (back) did not practice.
Center of attention
When asked what the Jets’ plans are for the center position, Glenn responded “to start a center.” Glenn wouldn’t reveal if it would be Myers or Joe Tippmann. The two have been competing for the job. Glenn said they still are.
Jets claim three off waivers
The Jets claimed three players off waivers: former Colts tight end Jelani Woods, ex-Kansas City linebacker Cam Jones and rookie offensive tackle Esa Pole, who was released by Kansas City. To make room for them, the Jets released receiver Tyler Johnson and waived linebacker Zaire Barnes and guard Marquis Hayes.
Woods is 6-7, 253 pounds. Glenn said Woods is “a huge tight end that’s going to help us as a blocker and receiver.” Woods caught three touchdown passes as a rookie in 2022. He hasn’t played the past two seasons because of injury.
Glenn said Jones, who has 36 tackles in two seasons, is “a very productive player” and is counting on him “really making noise on special teams.” Pole is a developmental tackle with “a lot of tools.”
Roster decision
A mild surprise from the Jets’ initial 53-man roster was Xavier Gipson making it over rookie free agent Jamaal Pritchett. Glenn said Gipson’s whole body of work, practice included, was better.
Glenn said Gipson did “an outstanding job” in practice and caught 145 consecutive punts. Pritchett, an undrafted rookie free agent, muffed a punt in the final preseason game but then recovered it.
“He was 145 strong without dropping a punt, and actually catching it the way that I see that a punt returner should catch it,” Glenn said. “So I feel really confident with him in that aspect and man, he is dynamite, when he gets in the open field.”
Pritchett remains with the Jets on their practice squad.
Practice team
Joining Pritchett on the Jets practice team were quarterback Brady Cook, wide receivers Tyler Johnson, Brandon Smith and Quentin Skinner, offensive linemen Kohl Levao and Leander Wiegand, defensive linemen Eric Watts and Payton Page, linebackers Boog Smith and Jackson Sirmon, defensive backs Jordan Clark and Dean Clark and kicker Harrison Mevis. They were all in training camp with the Jets.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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