The Jets have seen D.J. Reed agree to a deal which will send him to the Lions, but they have quickly worked out a cornerback addition. New York has an agreement in place with Brandon Stephens, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
The former Raven will sign a three-year, $36MM deal, per Garafolo. Stephens entered the league as a safety, but over time he increasingly established himself as a perimeter corner. He will now be in position to operate as a first-team option in that role with the Jets.
Having invested big money in Marlon Humphrey and a first-round pick in Nate Wiggins, Stephens had been a clear candidate to leave town after the 2024 season. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said that he expected Stephens to hit free agency, indicating the team would not pursue re-signing him before then. Stephens emerged as a starting outside corner in 2023 but took a step back this past year, especially when defending the deep ball.
Stephens was charged with four touchdowns allowed and a 106.1 passer rating yielded as the closest defender last season. While the Ravens will need a new perimeter starter, the Jets are betting on upside under Aaron Glenn. Stephens made 48 starts — both at corner and safety — with Baltimore, bringing considerable experience to Glenn’s defense.
It might be a stretch to suggest Stephens will be a one-for-one replacement for D.J. Reed, who joined the Lions today, and the new addition is barely a year younger than the more accomplished player. But Reed never appeared a real candidate to stay in New York, having seen the Jets pay Michael Carter a top-market slot rate and have Sauce Gardner on the radar for a potential record-setting extension. As Reed transitions to the Motor City, Stephens’ contract suggests he is moving into a starting role in the Big Apple.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.