As the Jets’ secondary continues to undergo changes, CB Brandon Stephens remains a stable presence in the evolving unit.
“Just a consistent, steady veteran,” DC Steve Wilks said of Stephens. “We knew that coming into the season, that he was going to be that guy for us.”
Stephens, who joined the Green & White in March, has played all but 1 defensive snap this season. He leads the Jets with 7 pass defenses, and his 52 total tackles are the second most on the team. Defensive backs/pass game coordinator Chris Harris, who described Stephens as a “grinder,” said the extra work put in behind the scenes has allowed Stephens to elevate his game in recent weeks.
“He’s the definition of a pro,” Harris said. “He comes to work every single day. That’s what we thought when we got him in the offseason. I’m happy for his success and hopefully we can continue that trend.”
Stephens will look to continue that trend as he faces some familiar faces in Week 12. A third-round pick of the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft, Stephens spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in Baltimore. He appeared in 65 regular-season games (48 starts, including 17 last season), and he started 4 postseason games from 2023-24.
“I had a lot of vets in my career when I was there that really showed me the ropes, and so that’s something I’ll be forever grateful for,” Stephens said Wednesday. “To get me to the point where I am here now — here I am in Year 5. So, truly grateful for them.”