The New York Jets did not have a cornerback hole in their secondary for long as the NFL’s 2025 free agency market opened.
Coveted and now former Jets corner, DJ Reed, inked a deal with the Detroit Lions. That left a spot for in New York’s defense across from Sauce Gardner.
Brandon Stephens is the player slated to take that position now.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 27-year-old has agreed to to terms on a three-year deal worth $36 million:
Stephens play has been up-and-down over the past few seasons. Most recently, Pro Football Focus only graded him a 55.8 overall mark in 2024, good for the 153rd best cornerback grade out of 223 qualifying players.
In total, Stephen had 10 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, with 70 tackles including three for loss last year. He did not have an interception, but had two in 2023.
While his play has been spotty, the Jets and new head coach Aaron Glenn could be banking on Stephens’ potential. He was a third-round pick of the only other team he’s played for, the Baltimore Ravens, at the 2021 NFL draft.
Stephens has some versatility in his game and good size, standing at 6-foot-1.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2025 offseason.
