Jets most criticized free agent signing looking like a 'transformed player'

The New York Jets raised quite a few eyebrows when they signed former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens to a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason.

It was an early heat check for the new Jets regime of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, as they were willing to bet on their ability to help Stephens fulfill his potential after a highly underwhelming stint in Baltimore.

The move was highly criticized, with many in the fan base questioning why the Jets would make statistically one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL over the last two seasons their top non-Justin Fields free-agent signing.

The concern was warranted, but Stephens is already looking to change the narrative around his signing. According to various reports, the ex-Ravens cornerback has put together an impressive summer to this point.

Brandon Stephens is looking to change his Jets narrative

Will Parkinson of the Turn on the Jets podcast remarked earlier this week that Stephens has looked like a "transformed player" for the Jets this summer. He flashed his upside in the Jets' 31-12 preseason loss to the Giants this past Saturday.

Stephens played only 12 defensive snaps but earned an impressive 84.9 Pro Football Focus grade, highlighted by a gorgeous pass breakup on a third-and-six throw intended for Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson.

In two preseason games, Stephens has been targeted two times, allowing just one catch for seven yards. It's a very small sample size, but Stephens has looked the part of a renewed player this summer.

The Jets clearly had a plan in mind when they brought in a coaching staff loaded with former NFL defensive backs, including Aaron Glenn, Steve Wilks, Chris Harris, and Dré Bly.

Each of these veterans brings a wealth of experience in covering elite receivers and developing young talent, and the hope is that their combined expertise can unlock the potential of Stephens.

His physical tools — size, speed, and overall coverage ability — have never been in question, but his biggest limitation has consistently been his ball skills.

Too often, Stephens finds himself in tight coverage but is unable to turn his head quickly enough to make a play on the football, a flaw that ultimately derailed his career in Baltimore.

Stephens is quite literally the most targeted cornerback in the NFL over the last two seasons, seeing opposing quarterbacks throw his way a whopping 203 times since 2023. His 806 coverage yards allowed in 2024 ranked second-worst among all cornerbacks.

The Jets are banking on their DB-heavy coaching staff to correct that deficiency. If Stephens can improve his awareness and timing to track the ball effectively, the team believes he could evolve into a Pro Bowl-level cornerback.

Stephens is already off to a hot start, and the Jets are hoping it’s just the beginning.

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