Aaron Glenn defends controversial NY Jets player

Reporting live from New York Jets HQ in Florham Park, NJ—Entering the 2025 season, New York Jets fans are puzzled as to why defensive end Micheal Clemons remains on the roster.

Head coach Aaron Glenn provided some clarity.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday following Gang Green’s first official training camp practice, head coach Aaron Glenn revealed his fascination with Clemons’ play style and physique.

“He’s big, strong, tough,” said Glenn. “He is built the way you want a football player to be built, but there are things that he knows he has to get better at. Some of the penalties that he had last year, we’ve talked about that,” the head coach continued.

“He has to improve on that, but he’s a big, strong D-end that can set an edge, and he does have some rush ability. He’s a power player, so I expect him to go out there and play with power.”

Selected by New York in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft, Clemons is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract. He is due to have a cap number of $3.6 million. If they release him, the Jets can save $3.4 million while taking on under $200K in dead money.

Throughout his three seasons with the Jets, Clemons has appeared in 49 games (18 starts) while posting 97 total tackles (10 for loss) with 15 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks.

Now in a new defensive scheme, the Texas A&M product looks to carve out a rotational role in a position room that consists of few players with proven ability at the NFL level.