In a move that shocked many, the New York Jets signed former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens to a three-year, $36 million contract on March 13. The signing was the second-largest free-agent acquisition the Jets made during the offseason, with many questioning whether the 27-year-old Stephens would live up to the hefty contract. Despite coming off a solid tenure in Baltimore, Stephens’ addition has generated skepticism from fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding whether he can rise to the occasion in a Jets defense already filled with established stars.
Stephens, who was selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact in Baltimore. Over the past four seasons, he has appeared in 65 games and made 48 starts, accumulating 259 total tackles, 32 pass deflections, and two interceptions. However, despite his respectable numbers, there were concerns that his performance in critical moments didn’t always live up to expectations. Critics pointed out that Stephens was often targeted by opposing quarterbacks, leading to questions about his ability to handle elite receivers in the Jets’ competitive division.
While the Jets clearly saw something in Stephens that others didn’t, his signing came with reservations. As of the time of the signing, Stephens’ contract ranked 21st among cornerbacks in average annual value and 22nd in total guarantees. His career numbers didn’t seem to justify a contract of that magnitude, leading some experts to question whether the Jets might have overpaid for a player who hadn’t fully proven himself in Baltimore.
Despite these doubts, the Jets were convinced that Stephens could contribute to their already formidable defense, which features the likes of cornerback Sauce Gardner. Head coach Aaron Glenn, a former NFL cornerback himself, has a history of developing strong defensive backs. His expertise in the secondary is seen as a potential game-changer for Stephens, who may thrive under the guidance of a coach with such extensive experience in the position.
According to Jets insiders, the addition of Stephens was expected to complement their defense’s already strong lineup, providing much-needed depth. However, the Jets’ defensive backfield is now looking at some serious competition for starting spots. Notably, Qwan’tez Stiggers, a Canadian Football League standout and 2024 fifth-round pick, has emerged as a potential threat to Stephens’ role. Stiggers, who was named CFL Rookie of the Year, has been making a name for himself since his rookie year in the NFL and could challenge Stephens for the starting position.
Stiggers’ background is unconventional, to say the least. Before making his way to the NFL, he participated in FCF (Fan Controlled Football), a 7-on-7 league. His standout performances in the league caught the attention of CFL scouts, and he eventually earned a spot with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His rapid rise through the ranks and impressive showing in the CFL has made him a player to watch in the NFL. If he surpasses Stephens, it would be an unlikely turnaround for the cornerback, who was drafted much later and has a less established reputation.
Given Stiggers’ trajectory, the Jets’ decision to sign Stephens becomes even more intriguing. While many have been impressed by Stephens’ consistency in Baltimore, others believe that Stiggers may have the higher upside. For a team like the Jets, which is looking to return to playoff contention, the performance of their cornerbacks will be key to their success. If Stiggers does indeed take over Stephens’ spot as a starter, it could signify a shift in the Jets’ defensive strategy.
Despite these questions surrounding his role, Stephens has the chance to prove his worth during training camp and preseason games. The cornerback position is notoriously competitive, and the Jets have made it clear that there will be no free passes for any player. If Stephens wants to secure his place in the starting lineup, he will have to show significant improvement in his ability to lock down top-tier receivers and avoid costly mistakes on the field.
If Stephens falters in training camp, it could open the door for younger talent like Stiggers to steal the spotlight. The Jets have invested a lot in their defensive backfield, and they can afford to let go of any player who doesn’t meet their expectations. In a league where performance is the ultimate metric, there is little room for mediocrity, and Stephens must deliver results to justify his sizable contract.
Jets fans are eager to see how this all plays out. While Stephens has the talent and experience to be a starter in the NFL, his inconsistent play in Baltimore has left fans uncertain about his potential in New York. If he can elevate his game and prove his worth, the Jets could have one of the most formidable secondaries in the league. However, if he falls short, the team will likely turn to Stiggers or another option to fill the gap.
For now, the Jets’ defensive backfield is in a state of flux, and only time will tell if Stephens can rise to the occasion or if the Jets will have to adjust their plans. Regardless of what happens, the competition within the secondary will keep the pressure on all players involved, ensuring that only the most prepared and capable cornerbacks will secure starting roles come the regular season.
In the end, the Jets’ investment in Brandon Stephens may either pay off handsomely or leave them regretting the decision. Either way, the team will have to live with the consequences, and fans will be watching closely as the cornerback competition heats up this offseason.