As cornerback Brandon Stephens enters his first season with the Green & White, the fifth-year player is eager to make his presence known.
"Just being able to change the game," Stephens said of his goal for 2025. "Not trying to force your way into changing games but just being in the right spot at the right time."
Stephens is no stranger to dominant defense. He joined the Jets during free agency after spending the first four seasons of his career in Baltimore, where he contributed to a unit that consistently ranked among the league's best.
In 17 starts for the Ravens during the 2024 season, Stephens totaled 70 tackles, 10 pass defenses and 1.5 sacks. In 2023, he contributed 2 interceptions and 11 pass defenses on a unit that became the first in NFL history to lead the league in scoring, sacks and takeaways.
Stephens will look to bring this high defensive standard to the Jets and elevate his game. HC Aaron Glenn noted that the veteran player can successfully "deny the ball" but must "work on creating turnovers." As he begins his new chapter in New York, this will be a top priority.
"We speak in the DB room about turning the ball over and getting hands on the ball," Stephens said. "I think that's been a main focus for me. But as a unit as well, we know we can change the game with turnovers and just making plays on the ball."