ExtremeRavens Posted March 10 Posted March 10 Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said that cornerback Brandon Stephens would have a chance to test the free-agent market. It paid off in a big way for the 2021 third-round pick. Stephens is signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the New York Jets, with $23 million of the contract guaranteed, according to ESPN. That makes him the 19th-highest paid corner in the NFL, per Over The Cap, in average annual value, just behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ James Bradberry, at least for now. It also comes after he took a step backward with his coverage in 2024. Once considered a candidate for a contract extension after a strong 2023, Stephens allowed 65 catches on 96 targets (fifth-most in the NFL) for 806 yards (second-most) last season, according to Pro Football Focus. While he was lauded by coaches for being “sticky” in coverage, they also acknowledged that he struggled to locate the ball, something that seemed to get worse as the year wore on and was particularly evident on throws downfield. He also did not have an interception and his 55.8 overall grade by PFF ranked 153rd out of 223 cornerbacks. Stephens appeared in 65 games for Baltimore over the past four years, which included 48 starts. He also moved from safety to cornerback, which he played full-time the past two seasons, and last year had two interceptions to go with a 69.2 overall grade from PFF. His leaving is also perhaps addition by subtraction: The Ravens will get a compensatory draft pick for Stephens in 2026 because he was a third-round selection. With Stephens’ departure, Baltimore now has an immediate need at outside corner. Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey are the Ravens’ top two cornerbacks, but Humphrey excelled in the slot, where he was an All-Pro last season. Veteran Tre’Davious White could be one option, though he’s also a free agent. Jalyn Armour-Davis, who is entering his fourth season but has struggled to stay healthy, and T.J. Tampa, a rookie who also battled injuries last season, are also possibilities, though it’s likely DeCosta will turn to the draft to add to the position. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article Quote
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