Pro Football Rumors
Improved play in the secondary will be a key 2026 target for the Jets. Plenty of new faces are in place, and the cornerback position in particular will be one to watch closely during training camp.
Brandon Stephens operated as a full-time starter on the boundary last season. The 2025 free agent signing can be expected to do the same again this year, although it remains to be seen who will serve as the other first-team option on the perimeter. ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes Nahshon Wright is currently the favorite in that regard.
Wright enjoyed the most productive year of his career in 2025, his long season with the Bears. He posted five interceptions, 11 pass deflections and two forced fumbles during his time in Chicago. Wright’s performances in coverage weighed down his free agent market, though, and he ended up signing a one-year deal worth $3.5MM to join the Jets.
As Cimini adds, 2025 third-rounder Azareye’h Thomas is a contender for the starting boundary gig along with Wright. The same could also be true of second-round rookie D’Angelo Ponds. The Indiana product’s size (5-9, 173 pounds) will be a question mark at the NFL level, but Cimini notes he saw time on the perimeter and in the slot during OTAs and minicamp. Ponds is thus a candidate to work as a slot starter in place of Jarvis Brownlee this season, depending on how training camp plays out.
Regardless of how the cornerback situation takes shape, trade acquisition Minkah Fitzpatrick will be counted on to serve as a productive presence at safety. The five-time Pro Bowler signed an extension upon arrival in New York, and expectations will be high for a return to his previous form. Fitzpatrick is likely to see time at multiple positions with his latest team, however.
“I like moving around,” the 29-year-old said. “I like being able to give the quarterback different looks. I think when you just sit in a high post all game, they know you’re back there and they could dial stuff up for you, but they could also avoid you. So, I like being a chess piece.”
Second-year head coach Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Brian Duker will be tasked with overseeing a turnaround after the Jets went all of last season without recording an interception. Improvement in that regard will be sought out, although how the team’s secondary depth chart will look by the start of the season will remain unclear for several more weeks.
