Jets’ top free agent signing already flashing the same red flags at minicamp

The New York Jets only handed out two multi-year contracts this offseason. One went to quarterback Justin Fields, while the other went to cornerback Brandon Stephens, a hand-picked target of Aaron Glenn's new staff, and easily the team’s most expensive defensive signing.

Unfortunately, Stephens didn't exactly make the strongest first impression this spring. According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, the same red flags that followed him in Baltimore — tight coverage but an inability to locate the ball — are already showing up in Florham Park.

Rosenblatt noted that it's still too early for Jets fans to panic, especially given that Stephens was matched up with Garrett Wilson for much of the spring, but that it's not especially encouraging that the same issues have popped up.

The Jets' coaching staff remains optimistic, believing they can clean up his technique. But when you're brought in on a $36 million deal to replace D.J. Reed, "tight coverage" isn’t going to be enough. Not in this secondary, and not with a promising rookie already turning heads.

Brandon Stephens off to a slow start at Jets minicamp

Rookie cornerback Azareye’h Thomas quietly put together an impressive spring, with Rosenblatt insisting that his stock is up entering training camp. That's in stark contrast to Stephens, whose stock is down, according to Rosenblatt.

The third-round pick wasn’t expected to push for serious playing time right away, but it’s becoming harder to ignore the idea that he could climb the depth chart faster than expected, especially if Stephens struggles.

That puts added pressure on Stephens, and so far, the early returns haven’t eased concerns. The issues that followed him in Baltimore are showing up again: physical coverage, yes, but a consistent failure to get his head around and finish plays.

The Jets knew what they were signing, but they also believed they could fix it. With a defensive coaching staff stacked with former NFL DBs — including head coach Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and position coaches Chris Harris and Dré Bly — the Jets see Stephens as a moldable piece.

The athleticism and instincts are there. Now it's about refining the details.

Still, the leash might not be as long as his hefty contract suggests. As noted, the Jets only handed out two multi-year deals this offseason. Stephens was one of them. That makes this a significant investment, and one that the Jets need to pan out.

Consider this an early heat check for the new Jets staff. They hand-picked Stephens as one of their few splash moves. Now it’s up to them to prove they can fix what Baltimore couldn’t.

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