Jets face real 2026 uncertainty after rookie suffers season-ending injury

The New York Jets were hoping to use the final stretch of the 2025 season to evaluate the young players on their roster — especially their 2025 rookie class — to help determine who should factor into their plans for 2026.

Unfortunately, those plans took a major hit on Saturday when the Jets placed rookie cornerback Azareye'h Thomas on the injured reserve, ending his season prematurely.

Thomas suffered a shoulder injury in the Jets' Week 15 loss to the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday and was ruled out for this week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars before being placed on IR.

The rookie third-round pick previously missed the Jets' Week 11 game against the New England Patriots after suffering a concussion the prior week. Now, his rookie season ends after just 12 games, and the Jets miss out on crucial evaluation games for their young cornerback.

More importantly, the injury introduces real uncertainty into the Jets’ cornerback plans for 2026 and how Thomas fits into them.

Azareye'h Thomas injury could alter the Jets' cornerback plans for 2026

Thomas was thrust into a full-time starting role following Sauce Gardner’s midseason departure, and while the Florida State product flashed his upside, he also experienced the usual growing pains that come with being a rookie.

His 55.1 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 81st among 109 qualified cornerbacks this season, with a 55.5 coverage grade placing him 80th. According to PFF, he allowed 12 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown on 25 targets, and penalties became a recurring issue, as he was flagged three times.

Thomas showcased excellent physicality both as a tackler and at the catch point, but his lack of deep speed showed up at times, and his tendency to get handsy and draw penalties became an issue.

The Jets remain high on Thomas’ potential, and their confidence in both the rookie corner and Brandon Stephens played a role in the decision to move on from Gardner. That said, this untimely injury robs Thomas of a prime opportunity to prove he should be an unquestioned starter heading into 2026.

Did the Jets see enough from Thomas in his 12 games, only five of which he started, to feel comfortable with him and Stephens as their starting outside cornerbacks next season? The same question could be asked about nickel cornerback Jarvis Brownlee, who also landed on IR at an inopportune time.

The Jets will have serious questions to answer regarding their cornerback room this offseason. The hope was to use these final games to evaluate both Thomas and Brownlee as prospective 2026 starters.

Instead, their sample size for evaluation is limited, which very much complicates the conversation. Tough break for Thomas, and a tough break for the Jets.