Jets Seek Cornerback Upgrades After Dismal 2025 Season

New York looks to bolster secondary through free agency and draft after trading away star Sauce Gardner

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The New York Jets are in the market for cornerback help this offseason after a disappointing 3-14 campaign in 2025. With the trade of star CB Sauce Gardner, the Jets' secondary struggled mightily and failed to record a single interception all season. Head coach Aaron Glenn will look to free agency and the draft to find solutions, with Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean and potential draft picks like LSU's Mansoor Delane emerging as top targets.

Why it matters

The Jets' secondary was a major weakness in 2025, and addressing that need will be crucial if the team hopes to bounce back and compete in 2026. Improving the cornerback position could help the entire defense take a step forward and give the team a better chance of getting back to the playoffs.

The details

The Jets' top cornerback options heading into 2026 include Brandon Stephens, who had an up-and-down first season in New York, and 2025 third-round pick Azareye'h Thomas, who showed promise but also had some rookie growing pains. The team also traded for Titans CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. during the 2025 season, but he suffered a season-ending injury. With Sauce Gardner now in Indianapolis, the Jets will be scouring the free agent market and 2026 draft for upgrades, with Buccaneers standout Jamel Dean and prospects like LSU's Mansoor Delane emerging as potential targets.

  • The Jets finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record.
  • The Jets traded star CB Sauce Gardner to the Colts at the 2025 trade deadline.

The players

Aaron Glenn

The Jets' head coach, who will be looking to turn the team around in his second season.

Darren Mougey

The Jets' general manager, who will be tasked with improving the roster through free agency and the draft.

Brandon Stephens

A cornerback the Jets signed in free agency in 2025, who had an up-and-down first season in New York.

Azareye'h Thomas

A 2025 third-round pick by the Jets who showed promise as a rookie but also had some growing pains.

Jamel Dean

A free agent cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who could be a top target for the Jets this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Jets will be active in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to rebuild their secondary and return to contention.

The takeaway

The Jets' struggles in the secondary were a major factor in their dismal 2025 season, and addressing that need will be a top priority this offseason. With the right free agent additions and draft picks, the Jets can hope to field a much-improved defense in 2026 and get back to being a competitive team.