When the New York Jets signed former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens to a three-year contract this offseason, most fans were left perplexed.
Stephens was picked on a ton while with the Ravens, and was seen as a weak link in a struggling unit to end the 2024 season. New York clearly saw something in the 6-foot-1 corner to give him a deal worth $12 million per year.
A big part of those hopes?
The current staff’s ability to coach him out of the consistent mistakes he made in 2024.
Jets Have Clear Goals For Brandon Stephens
Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks runs a different system than head coach Aaron Glenn. Wilks prefers a zone-based style of play, while Glenn carries a man-based philosophy in coverage.
The Stephens signing fits Glenn’s defensive strategy more than Wilks’.
That doesn’t mean the veteran coordinator doesn’t know how to “fix” Stephens.
Speaking to reporters at OTAs on Thursday, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers detailed clear goals that Stephens is working towards.
“I think [he’s] got to do a better job when in position, finishing, making plays on
the ball, that’s something that we talked about during free agency, that’s something that we continue to emphasize since he’s been here,” Wilks said. “Getting on the jugs extra as far as catching the ball, working certain drills, being in position, and looking back.
“So, I think, again, it’s just the teaching and the consistency in which we give the guys so they can go out and perform.”
Stephens has had a strong start to OTAs with the Jets. He’s been in good position on routes and has showcased the trademarked physicality that made him a third-round pick just a few years ago.
Despite the perceived improvement, it will be hard for Jets fans to look past the struggles he went through in Baltimore last season.
In 2024, Stephens was targeted 96 times in the regular season per Pro Football Focus. He allowed 65 receptions for 806 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Only Alontae Taylor allowed more yards among cornerbacks.
Stephens also committed six defensive pass interference penalties (fourth-most among all players) and allowed a 107.4 passer rating (77th out of 92 qualified cornerbacks).
The hope is that Stephens can return to the level of his 2023 season, when he allowed a 79.4 passer rating (22nd out of 88 qualified cornerbacks).
The Jets’ current staff is focused on teaching, though. They are willing to give talented, yet flawed players like Stephens a chance.
Wilks knows where Stephens must improve. Under new guidance in New York, the Jets hope Stephens can finally put it all together, proving his worth as a legitimate starting cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner.
