The Jets have decided to deal with Brandon Stephens, a former Ravens cornerback.

Brandon Stephens is a professional American football cornerback, known for his versatile skill set and intelligent play on the field. After playing college football at SMU (Southern Methodist University), Stephens was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over his two seasons with the Ravens, he was part of a defensive backfield that gained a reputation for being one of the league’s most tenacious.

Born on February 15, 1998, in Killeen, Texas, Brandon Stephens had a rather unconventional football journey. Initially, he started his college career as a running back before transitioning to cornerback, a move that would significantly impact his future. His switch to defense showcased his versatility and athleticism, making him a standout prospect as he entered the draft. This flexibility in his playing style is likely a key reason why the Jets may have shown interest in him, as they are a team constantly looking to strengthen their secondary with well-rounded athletes.

Brandon Stephens’ Time with the Ravens

Brandon Stephens’ tenure with the Baltimore Ravens was marked by steady development and occasional flashes of brilliance. While not a star in his first couple of seasons, he was part of a secondary that included some of the league’s most talented defensive backs. The Ravens were often among the top teams in terms of defensive statistics, and Stephens played a role in that success.

He was known for his ability to cover both outside receivers and slot players, utilizing his length, speed, and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. His college background as a running back allowed him to have strong ball skills, making him effective both in pass defense and in creating turnovers.

However, as with many young players, Stephens’ development was a work in progress. He had moments of being inconsistent but showed a willingness to learn and improve. The Ravens, a team that prides itself on strong defense and coaching, invested time in developing him as part of their long-term plans. That said, the decision to part ways with Stephens may have been driven by roster space concerns or the desire to move in a different direction with other cornerbacks.

Why the Jets?

The New York Jets, a team that has been rebuilding in recent years under head coach Robert Saleh, have made substantial strides on defense. With Saleh’s background as a defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, the Jets have put a strong emphasis on building a defense that can complement their offense. Adding talent like Brandon Stephens would provide depth to a cornerback room that already includes promising players like Sauce Gardner, a young star, and D.J. Reed, who has been a key free-agent signing in recent years.

The Jets’ secondary has been one of the strong points of their defense, but depth and versatility remain essential. Adding a player like Stephens, who can play both outside corner and potentially in the nickel, would give the Jets flexibility in their defensive scheme. With Saleh’s preference for multiple defensive backs on the field, Stephens could fit well into their plans, whether he starts or serves as a rotational player.

Stephens would bring youth and potential to the Jets, allowing the team to continue building for the future while not committing too much to him financially, given his relatively young and still-developing career.

What Does Stephens Bring to the Jets?

Brandon Stephens is an intriguing option for the Jets, as he possesses several traits that can contribute to their defense in multiple ways:

1. Versatility: As previously mentioned, Stephens is capable of playing both cornerback positions and even in the slot. This flexibility allows defensive coordinators to use him in various schemes. The Jets have employed different defensive looks, and Stephens would fit into their philosophy of utilizing versatile players. Whether it’s a base defense with two corners or nickel sets with extra defensive backs, Stephens’ adaptability would be invaluable.
2. Athleticism: Stephens has solid size for a cornerback, standing at 6’1” and weighing 213 pounds. His combination of length and speed allows him to cover a wide range of receivers, from bigger, physical wideouts to quicker, more agile slot receivers. His background as a former running back also makes him dangerous when the ball is in his hands, whether he’s intercepting passes or recovering fumbles.
3. Ball Skills: One of Stephens’ strengths is his ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball. His awareness allows him to make interceptions and knockdowns, which is critical in the Jets’ defense, which thrives on creating turnovers. The addition of a player who has shown potential to develop into a ball hawk would bolster the team’s secondary.
4. Special Teams Potential: While Stephens is known for his defensive ability, his skill set could translate well into special teams, an area where the Jets often look for contributors. Given that Stephens might not immediately start, he could provide value on special teams while continuing to develop as a cornerback.

The Jets’ Defensive Plans Moving Forward

Adding Brandon Stephens could fit well into the Jets’ broader defensive strategy. While they are already strong in the secondary, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich may look to add more depth and flexibility. The defensive backfield is one of the most important areas of focus for the Jets, as they aim to build a defense that can handle high-powered offenses, especially in the AFC East, where teams like the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have potent passing games.

The Jets are also planning to develop their defensive front. With a solid group of edge rushers and a promising defensive line, their secondary must be able to cover longer, allowing the pass rush to get home. This is where players like Stephens, who can cover multiple types of receivers, would be essential.

Additionally, the Jets might be looking to keep their defensive unit fresh. In a league that demands high-intensity play from its cornerbacks, having multiple options to rotate in and out of the game is critical to maintaining performance throughout the season.

What Does This Move Mean for the Ravens?

The Ravens’ decision to part ways with Brandon Stephens may not be as significant as some might expect, given the team’s depth in the secondary. With established cornerbacks like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, along with younger, promising players, the Ravens might not have room for Stephens in their long-term plans. The Ravens have historically been strong in player development, and while Stephens may have had potential, they might have felt that other players on the roster could contribute more effectively in their system.

By trading Stephens, the Ravens could also clear space for other acquisitions or allow younger talent to develop. The Ravens are in a position where their defense is consistently competitive, and they may have decided that Stephens’ skill set was no longer aligned with their immediate needs. This move also reflects their broader strategy of adapting and evolving the roster, balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent.

Impact on Both Teams

For the New York Jets, adding Brandon Stephens is another sign that they are serious about building a top-tier defense. The team has made tremendous strides under Robert Saleh, and with a more complete roster, the Jets could compete for a playoff spot in the coming years. The addition of Stephens adds depth, versatility, and youth to a defense that has the potential to be one of the league’s best.

For the Baltimore Ravens, moving on from Brandon Stephens doesn’t necessarily represent a loss, but it is a reminder that the competition within the Ravens’ defense is fierce. The Ravens’ ability to continuously develop talent is one of their trademarks, and moving on from Stephens likely reflects their confidence in their current group of cornerbacks and the emerging youth on the roster.