The New York Jets allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game last season, forfeiting just 192.6 air yards weekly. Superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner played a large role in that success. He’ll be surrounded by some new teammates this season. D.J. Reed left in free agency, signing a lucrative contract with the Detroit Lions. He’ll be replaced by Brandon Stephens, who GM Darren Mougey signed to a three-year deal.

The Jets also drafted Azareye’h Thomas in the third round to compete for snaps at cornerback. Tony Adams returns at safety, and Andre Cisco was signed to replace the aging Chuck Clark. Fourth-round rookie Malachi Moore adds depth at safety.

The Jets project to have an effective secondary in 2025 despite the changes. Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 secondaries in the league. The Jets’ unit clocked in at No. 11 overall, barely missing a top-10 placement.

2025 SECONDARY RANKINGS 📊https://t.co/gzW5eGG3Bw

— PFF (@PFF) July 8, 2025

“The Jets entered 2024 with the NFL’s top-ranked secondary but struggled throughout the season, largely due to issues at safety and slot cornerback,” John Kosko wrote. “They lost D.J. Reed in free agency but added Brandon Stephens and drafted Azareye’h Thomas to pair with superstar Sauce Gardner, widely regarded as the league’s best cornerback. Gardner will be the glue holding this unit together if the new additions and coaching staff can get on the same page.”

Defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn is inheriting a talented secondary with veterans and rookies mixed in alike. Coach Glenn, a former DB himself, should have confidence in his last-line-of-defence unit. The Jets should be tough to throw the ball against in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Pro Football Focus: Jets are close to having top-10 secondary in NFL