Cross one position off the list of potential targets for the New York Jets with the No. 7 pick in this year’s NFL draft.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, it would be a “surprise” if the Jets use a high draft pick on a cornerback after signing Brandon Stephens to a three-year deal worth up to $36 million with $23 million guaranteed in free agency.
“Of all their starting-lineup needs, the only addition that can be considered more than a one-year stopgap is cornerback,” wrote Cimini. “The $23 million guarantee for Brandon Stephens is basically a two-year commitment. It would be a surprise if they used a high pick on a corner. Every other position is on the table.”
Stephens, 27, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. He played each of his first four NFL seasons there.
Stephens started his NFL career as a safety before transitioning to the cornerback position in 2022. In 2023, Stephens became the Ravens’ starting cornerback, starting 16 games while collecting 74 tackles, 11 pass defenses, and two interceptions.
In 2024, the SMU product started all 17 games for Baltimore, recording 70 tackles and 10 passes defended while not hauling in an interception. He struggled in coverage, allowing the second-most yards among cornerbacks (806) and four touchdowns.
With the Jets unlikely to use a top draft pick on a cornerback, they are expected to enter the season with Stephens and two-time first-team All-Pro Sauce Gardner as their starting duo. Michael Carter II will man the slot.
While spending a high pick on a cornerback seems unlikely, Darren Moguey could still look for depth at the position in the later rounds.
