Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Stephens (21) was called for pass interference on the play. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Having predictably lost cornerback DJ Reed earlier in the day, the Jets agreed to terms on a new deal with free agent cornerback Brandon Stephens. The deal was announced by NFL insider Mike Garofalo.
The former Baltimore Raven gets a 3-year deal from Darren Mougey that will pay him up to $36 million. The former second-round pick out of UCLA and SMU has played in 65 career games (48 starts) for one of the more respected franchises in the NFL.
While Jets fans may have been hoping for a ball hawk, that is far from what Stephens brings. On 321 career targets, Stephens has managed just two interceptions. Both of those came in 2023.
Now the 6′ 2” corner will pair with one of the NFL’s best cover men in Sauce Gardner as the Jets hope to have a seamless transition from Reed.