Surprise Jets starter is emerging at OTAs (but it shouldn't shock anyone)

One of the more surprising developments from the first few weeks of New York Jets OTAs has been the emergence of an unexpected name working with the first-team defense. That name is Nahshon Wright.

When the Jets signed Wright to a one-year, $5.5 million contract earlier this offseason, many assumed at the time that he would be competing with 2025 third-round pick Azareye'h Thomas for the starting cornerback job opposite Brandon Stephens.

If the first couple of open-media OTA practices have shown anything, it's that Wright should be considered the early favorite for that job. Wright has notably been working alongside Stephens with the starters on defense this spring.

Of course, it's important not to overreact to spring practices. A lot can change between now and Week 1. But Wright's early role is at least a little notable, especially considering many Jets fans entered the spring assuming Thomas would be the favorite to start.

That said, in reality, this probably shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

Nahshon Wright may have the early edge in the Jets cornerback battle

The Jets evidently didn't sign Wright to be a camp body. Wright started 16 games for the Chicago Bears last season, recording five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and earning the first Pro Bowl nod of his career in what was a breakout 2025 campaign.

Remember, the Jets recorded just four takeaways as a team and had zero interceptions in 2025. Wright alone had seven takeaways last season.

Of course, there were flaws in his game as well. Wright wasn't a shutdown cornerback by any means. He allowed 725 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while earning a modest 63.4 Pro Football Focus coverage grade. The splash plays were there, but so was the inconsistency.

After all, this is still the same former Cowboys third-round pick who flamed out in Dallas after just three years. The same player who appeared in just one game in 2024, as he spent the year on the Vikings' practice squad. Wright is hardly a proven commodity in his own right.

Still, many fans expected Thomas to step into a starting role after the Jets traded Sauce Gardner, but the former third-round pick never really hit his stride, partially due to injuries.

Thomas appeared in just 12 games as a rookie and struggled at times down the stretch, posting a 55.1 PFF grade while missing more than 21 percent of his tackle attempts before a shoulder injury ended his season.

Thomas may still be the long-term answer. The Jets simply may not believe he's the best option right now.

Training camp will ultimately decide this battle, and rookie second-round pick D'Angelo Ponds shouldn't be counted out either. The Jets will give him an opportunity to play some outside corner this year. For now, though, Wright appears to have the inside track on the starting job.

Really, the biggest surprise from Jets OTAs might not be that Nahshon Wright is running with the starters. It's that so many people seem surprised by it.

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