The New York Jets had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in Aaron Glenn’s first year as head coach. They had the 10th-worst pass defense DVOA in NFL history and couldn’t stop the run when it mattered.
They’ve taken several steps to correct this in 2026. Only a handful of the starters from 2025 will remain following the additions of Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick, David Bailey, and many more.
No position on the Jets’ depth chart has undergone more changes than the cornerback room since Aaron Glenn’s arrival.
Gone are the Jets’ star trio of Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II. They’ve been replaced by Brandon Stephens and a collection of promising but unproven young players.
The Jets will need someone to step up. Both the starting boundary spot opposite Stephens and the starting slot role are up for grabs. Stephens’ spot isn’t guaranteed either, as he still has plenty to prove.
Let’s break down each player in the Jets’ revamped cornerback room and what we should expect from them going forward.
Who will be the Jets’ starting cornerback trio in Week 1?
Leading us off is one of the Jets’ few Week 1 starters who will likely reprise his role.
Brandon Stephens signed a lucrative contract in 2025 and should be considered a near-lock to start. However, after a mixed bag of a season, he should still have a chip on his shoulder in 2026.
Stephens maintained his stellar run defense and had an excellent midseason stretch in coverage. Ultimately, though, he finished the season with a ratio of eight touchdowns allowed to zero interceptions.
Still, Stephens’ spot as the Jets’ top cornerback is nearly guaranteed by the fact that nobody else on the roster has the pedigree to beat him out. Nahshon Wright is the most experienced competitor with 19 starts, 16 of which came in 2025 with the Bears.
Wright was a ball hawk in a surprising breakout season, leading all cornerbacks with five interceptions. But he also allowed several big plays, finishing with the fifth-most yards (725) and touchdowns (7) allowed.
Behind them are third-year pros Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Qwan’tez Stiggers. Brownlee started 14 out of 17 games as a rookie and flashed in a short run with New York. Stiggers, meanwhile, was a reliable depth piece that was thrust into the starting role following the trade of Sauce Gardner and Azareye’h Thomas’ injury. He performed admirably across three starts, breaking up three passes while not allowing a touchdown.
There’s a good chance that New York’s Week 1 starters are Stephens, Wright, and Brownlee. The question is whether one of the Jets’ recent draft picks can claim one of those spots.
Can one of the Jets’ young corners claim a starting role?
Azareye’h Thomas has the inside track to earn a starting spot for the Jets in Week 1. Thomas got the nod following the Gardner trade and made the most of his opportunity, logging five starts until a season-ending shoulder injury.
Thomas had an admirable debut against the Bengals’ duo of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase; although he was beaten for one long touchdown, he was excellent otherwise. Over his next four starts, Thomas allowed just 68 yards.
At 21 years old, Thomas was one of the youngest players in the NFL in 2025, and he quickly flashed starter ability. In his second season with Aaron Glenn, he’ll be pushing for the starting spot in the summer. He will have some competition from the Jets’ most recent cornerback selection, though.
D’Angelo Ponds joins the Jets after a dominant college run. Following Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana, Ponds stood out with his infectious energy and physicality. Jets X-Factor’s Joe Blewett broke down Ponds’ film and described his technique as “teach tape”. From a statistical standpoint, he was undoubtedly one of the best cornerbacks in college football over the last two years.
The only reason Ponds lasted until the 50th pick is his stature. Standing at 5-foot-8½ and 182 pounds, he’s a half-inch shorter than D.J. Reed. However, Ponds’ explosiveness is unmatched. Ponds had the second-highest vertical jump in the draft at 43.5 inches, a full seven inches higher than Reed. It’s a trait that may allow him to play outside (as he did in college) rather than being relegated to the slot.
The Jets’ cornerback room is wide open. Will their draft picks pay off?
The Jets replaced their star cornerbacks with a collection of young players who are still developing. They are betting on their coaching staff to get the most out of these prospects.
Can Glenn and the Jets’ defensive staff help Wright eliminate the boom-or-bust nature of his game? Can they help Thomas, Ponds, Stiggers, and Brownlee realize their potential?
Glenn and Darren Mougey drafted both Thomas and Ponds with Day 2 selections, each within the top 75 overall. Clearly, the franchise believes both players have long-term starting potential.
The Jets’ cornerback room is wide open. Both of New York’s promising young prospects have clear paths to starting roles. Now, it’s up to them to seize the opportunity.
