After four seasons with the Ravens, cornerback Brandon Stephens had a calling to continue his career with the Jets during his time as a free agent.
"First and foremost, it's a blessing to be here," he said. "I thank God for this opportunity, but you know, it just felt right in my spirit. I felt like I was supposed to be a Jet. Talking to [head coach] Aaron Glenn, it just felt right. I feel like he is the right person to lead this organization and I just wanted to be a part of it.
"He just expressed how much he loves my game, appreciates my game and how he can help not only me take it to that next level."
Stephens, 27, was the first defender from another team to agree to terms with the Jets in the Darren Mougey-Aaron Glenn era. He started 37 of the Ravens' 39 games the last two seasons, including 4 playoff games. He totaled 144 tackles, 2 interceptions and 21 pass defenses.
Despite experience lining up at safety, Stephens will likely slide into the lineup opposite Sauce Gardner since CB D.J. Reed signed with the Lions in free agency after three seasons with the Green & White as a starter. Gardner took to X after Stephens signed and posted: "Every CB across from me gonna ball regardless. Proven fact since college. So, yes, it's a good move. We're gonna make each other better!"
Originally a third-round pick out of SMU in 2021, Stephens has contributed to a defense that ranks No. 8 in the NFL from 2021-24. In that span, Baltimore ranks No. 1 in rush defense, No. 3 on third down and No. 2 points allowed per game. In the 2023 season, the Ravens defense became the first in NFL history to lead the league in scoring (16.5 points/game), sacks (60) and takeaways (31).
"Physical," Stephens said of his game. "That's the type of brand of football that I bring to the table and the type of brand that shows what I can do, but makes other people around me better."
The Plano, TX, native has been a part of a Ravens team with a 43-25 record since he was drafted and has won at least 10 games in three of the last four seasons. He now joins a defense that finished No. 3 last season and a team with a talented nucleus of young players that are trying to establish a new culture with Glenn at the helm.
"I'm just excited to wear the green and white out there," Stephens said. "Make plays, ball and give the city what they deserve."
