It's not quite a class reunion, but free agent defensive lineman David Onyemata, who has signed on with the Jets is, reuniting with a couple of guys he spent time with in the Big Easy.
For starters, Onyemata was on the roster in New Orleans when Jets HC Aaron Glenn was the Saints' defensive backs coach (2016-20). Onyemata also spent a couple of years as a teammate of veteran linebacker Demario Davis, who also landed with the Jets this week.
"He definitely was a big piece," Onyemata said, referring to Glenn who is entering his second season at the helm. "You know, just knowing him from my time in New Orleans, and just knowing the caliber of man he is, and the coach he is, it was no-brainer. I got the opportunity, I got the call to come join him right here."
While Glenn was with the Saints in 2016, New Orleans selected Onyemata (6-4, 310) in the fourth round of that year's NFL Draft. A native of Nigeria, Onyemata played in college in Canada and was the first player from the University of Manitoba to land in the NFL.
After spending his first seven seasons in New Orleans, Onyemata decamped for Atlanta in free agency in March 2023. Across his 10 NFL seasons, Onyemata, 33, has appeared in 154 games (115 starts) and recorded 401 total tackles, 86 QBH, 49 TFL and 31 sacks. Last season with the Falcons he had a career-high 62 tackles, playing 634 defensive snaps, the second-highest number mark of his career. He's also made significant contributions on special teams.
"Over in Atlanta last year, basically I was wherever I was needed," he said. "I was put out there and made the best of the opportunity. So basically, coming over here, I still got the same mentality, the same mindset. So regardless of wherever or whatever position I'm put on the line, just go out there and execute."
Early in this first wave of free agency, the Jets have added experienced players who will bring value to the defense. In addition to Onyemata and Davis, GM Darren Mougey has signed safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Dane Belton; edges Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare; and CB Nahshon Wright.
Though it's early, Onyemata said he's keen to contribute any way he can, whether it's helping to mentor younger players or simply being himself.
"The way I lead, I lead by example," he said. "So go out there, show the guys how things are meant to be done in the league. And keep it pushing."
"I was telling someone about just coming in as a rookie, the way you focus on the little details, focus on the other stuff," he said on Thursday in his first encounter with local reporters. "And the first OTAs, he [Glenn] kept harping on me. He kept questioning me, like, 'What's this person's name? What's that person's name?' And that's kind of how that started. And just being on the same team and just communicating with him, that bond kind of got stronger over the years."
Two years after Onyemata was drafted, Davis signed with New Orleans as a free agent, where he held down the middle linebacker spot until he returned to the Jets for a third go-round.
"We've had great relations over the years," Onyemata said. "Just communication, being on the same page, and just getting the opportunity to do that again and be out there on the field with him again will be great.
"Demario is more vocal, he's more of a vocal guy who leads by example."
