The New York Jets have begun adding to their defense in free agency. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Jets have agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens on a three-year, $36 million deal. The deal includes $23 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Stephens, 27, started all 17 games at cornerback for Baltimore last year, recording 70 tackles and 10 passes defended with no interceptions. He also started 16 games at corner for Baltimore in 2023 (74 tackles, 11 passes defended, 2 interceptions).
A third-round pick in 2021, Stephens started his career at safety for the Ravens before moving to cornerback in 2022. He became a starting cornerback in 2023 and held the role over the past two seasons.
Stephens’ coverage stats raise questions about what New York saw in him to justify a three-year contract worth $36 million. In 2024, Stephens allowed 65-of-96 passing (67.7%) in his direction for 806 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. His 806 yards allowed were the second-most among cornerbacks. Stephens also committed seven penalties. His allowed passer rating was 107.6, ranking 77th out of 92 qualified cornerbacks.
This was nothing particularly abnormal for Stephens, who has not had a productive career in coverage. For his career, he has allowed 213-of-321 passing (66.4%) for 2,617 yards, 13 touchdowns, and two interceptions, which equates to a passer rating of 102.3. His best season was in 2023, when he allowed an 82.4 passer rating.
A need at cornerback opened up for the Jets after they watched D.J. Reed walk to the Detroit Lions earlier on Monday. However, filling it with Stephens for $12 million per year is a move that warrants skepticism. It is difficult to understand the Jets’ thought process after unpacking the player’s track record of production. No matter how you slice it, this is a large chunk of cap space for a player who was one of the most victimized cornerbacks in the NFL last season.
Whenever they speak next, it will be interesting to hear the Jets’ brass explain why they decided to make this move.
