The writing was on the wall: D.J. Reed was going to leave the New York Jets in free agency.
That left the Jets with a hole to fill across from Sauce Gardner. Would they do it through free agency or the draft?
First-year general manager Darren Mougey wasted no time finding the Jets’ new starting cornerback, signing Brandon Stephens to a three-year, $36 million deal with just under $23 million guaranteed.
It is obvious that the Jets are high on Stephens, as he was the only outside free agent whom New York signed for more than two years. However, the signing quickly attracted criticism.
Stephens is coming off a tough year in Baltimore. He allowed 806 yards on throws into his coverage, the second-most among cornerbacks. Stephens also coughed up four touchdowns, recorded zero interceptions, and committed seven penalties, six of those for pass interference.
Now being paid an eight-figure salary, expectations are high for Stephens relative to the production he recorded last season.
Why did the Jets sign Stephens to such a large contract despite his poor numbers in 2024? Are the stats underselling him? Is the Jets’ scheme an ideal fit to unlock his skill set?
Only the film can answer those questions.
Below is Blewett’s Blitz’s full Brandon Stephens scouting report (strengths and weaknesses) and film review.
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