Former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens got a close look at the kind of quarterback Justin Fields was last season.
So when the New York Jets chose to sign both starters to multi-year deals in free agency this offseason, the conversation for Stephens was rather simple.
Now, as he begins to take in his first few days with the Jets during the start of offseason activities, New York’s new starting cornerback knows that the team has the right quarterback in place.
Stephens Defends Justin Fields
Speaking to reporters for the first time since signing his three-year deal in free agency, Stephens defended his new starting quarterback in Fields and is excited to see what he can do in New York’s offense.
“I think he (Fields) is the right man for the job,” Stephens said. “I think he has what it takes to lead this offense, lead this team, and I think the sky is the limit.”
Fields did not complete a pass for the Steelers against the Ravens during the 2024 season but ran the ball twice for 17 yards. He played a backup role for Russell Wilson in all three contests, including their matchup in the Wild Card.
Despite the limited action, New York signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal that essentially placed him as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Fields’ completion percentage has improved in every year he has been in the NFL since being a first-round pick in the 2021 draft. Stephens and the Jets expect an even more significant jump this upcoming season.
Stephens On Why He Chose Jets
There were some around the league that were surprised when the Jets opted to give Stephens a three-year contract worth $36 million at the start of the offseason. He is coming off a down-year with the Baltimore Ravens that saw him give up 66 receptions and a 106.1 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference.
Even when Baltimore’s secondary improved later in the year, Stephens was seen as a weak spot for the group.
But with a coaching staff led by head coach Aaron Glenn, Stephens felt like his pairing in New York was a seamless fit for his skill set moving forward.
“I did my homework on the Jets, and I really liked the coaching staff,” Stephens said. “Just seeing their style, it was a pretty easy decision for me.”
Stephens joins a roster with an All-Pro cornerback in Sauce Gardner playing opposite him. While that will mean more of a spotlight on him, the 27-year-old is ready for the new challenge in Florham Park.
