The cavalry isn’t fully back for the New York Jets, but reinforcements are on the way.
New York welcomed back edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to a pass rush in need of a veteran presence. His return helped turn around a struggling unit in a strong showing last week against Denver. Now, starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II is set to return following a concussion suffered two weeks ago.
There’s just one problem.
While no edge rusher was able to earn more playing time ahead of Johnson, the Jets saw a young corner step up in Carter’s absence. His arrival during the season has changed what the expectations could be for New York’s secondary.
Carter may be the perceived starter in the slot, but Jarvis Brownlee could have something to say about that.
Jets’ nickel questions
New York didn’t seem to have a quality answer when Carter first went down with a concussion. Originally, fifth-round rookie safety Malachi Moore was tasked with the effort.
But after struggles against the Dallas Cowboys — and late against the Miami Dolphins — the Jets turned to Brownlee in their latest contest against the Denver Broncos.
The former Tennessee Titan did more than just stabilize the position; he may have won the starting job. Brownlee recorded the team’s lone takeaway of the season and added six tackles. His physicality and speed were a welcome change to Carter’s early-season struggles.
Before Carter went out with a concussion, he had been a major issue in the Jets’ secondary. In 2025, Carter has given up nine completions on 13 targets for 123 yards. While he hasn’t allowed a touchdown, Carter gave up at least one 20+ yard reception in all four games he played.
Despite Carter’s struggles — and with Brownlee excelling in his first action of the year — head coach Aaron Glenn isn’t ready to name a starter just yet.
“Both of those guys will have packages where they’ll be playing,” Glenn told Jets X-Factor on Friday. “We can’t deny that Brownlee did a really good job last week, but we also can’t deny that Michael Carter’s done a good job, too.
“So, when you have two players like that, you just make packages for both of those guys to be on the field.”
Glenn’s response was somewhat of a surprise. New York’s secondary — for the first time all year — showed significant improvement last week with Brownlee in the lineup. To go back to a player who was struggling risks the Jets taking a step back this week against Carolina.
While Carter has yet to be officially cleared to return, his participation in practice on Friday has some expecting the two corners to battle it out on the field this Sunday.
Brownlee ready for more
Titans fans were furious when the Jets acquired the former seventh-round pick from the 2024 draft. Brownlee had proven to be a quality starting cornerback for Tennessee and was traded to New York for just a late-round pick swap.
Speaking to X-Factor after practice on Friday, Brownlee said he didn’t hold any grudges against his former team. He just wants to go out and prove the kind of player he has always been.
“I don’t think it’s surprising to me,” Brownlee said. “I’m a guy that makes plays on the ball, and I’m a guy that brings energy. It’s just playing hard, playing with effort, and trying to get my defense off the field.”
While he was primarily an outside corner in Tennessee, Brownlee also gained experience in the slot, allowing him to step into the role for New York since Carter’s injury.
He didn’t comment on the coaching staff’s decision to potentially rotate snaps with Carter, but the second-year pro is just ready to make another impact with his new team.
“I’ve been around a lot of great guys that have been in the game,” Brownlee explained. “Here, I have Sauce and (Brandon) Stephens, it’s just about gaining all the knowledge that I can get in order to add to my game.”
Based on his play last week, Brownlee seemingly deserves another chance to start in the slot for the Jets against the Panthers. But if Carter clears protocol, New York appears comfortable giving the veteran a chance to keep playing.
Time will tell if that ends up being the right decision.
