From His Time in Detroit, a Strong Relationship With HC Aaron Glenn and OC Tanner Engstrand

Jack Bell

Wide receiverJosh Reynoldsdidn't seem to notice the backdrop during his first interview after signing as a free agent with the Jets on Thursday.

There was the Empire State Building looming in the background as the 30-year-old was asked by team reporter Caroline Hendershot what drew him to playing this season across the Hudson River from the Big Apple.

"Well, this is going to be my first time in New York, so I'm just excited to get the city riled up and going with some wins," Reynolds said as he measured his words and spoke with a light Texas drawl of his native San Antonio.

He played nearly three seasons in Detroit (2021-23) before splitting last season between Denver and Jacksonville. While in the Motor City he said he came to respect and admire the Lions' defensive coordinator -- current Jets HC Aaron Glenn -- saying he was drawn to the Green & White because of his fellow Texas A&M alum.

"I think the biggest reason was coach Glenn," he said "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. And just kind of talk to each other about things, how he sees this, how you see that."

After being selected in the 2017 NFL Draft (No. 117 overall) by the Rams and playing in LA for four seasons, Reynolds (6-3, 194) signed with Tennessee and played a part of the 2021 season there before being waived and claimed by the Lions. Working with Detroit's passing game coordinator Tanner Engstand, Reynolds appeared in 38 games (29 starts), made 97 catches for 1,393 yards (14.4 per catch) and 10 TDs.

"Man, Tanner, you can tell he has got a mind for that offense," Reynolds said. "And for him to bring that here is going to be a game changer, for sure. And I'm excited how he's going to do his little twists on being an OC and [I'm] excited to see how he goes."

Reynolds is the latest addition to the Jets' wide receivers room after the team recently signed Tyler Johnson. GM Darren Mougey and Glenn are going about adding size, speed and depth across the field from No. 1 WR Garrett Wilson.

"Big body, I like to block, so I get down in there," he said. "Great catch radius. I got long arms. I'm lanky so I go up and get the ball."

Over his eight-year career, Reynolds has played in 116 regular-season games (55 starts) and has made 233 catches for 3,127 yards (13.4 yards/catch) and 20 TDs.