As the New York Jets continue to search for answers on defense, general manager Darren Mougey is leaving no stone unturned. In fact, he’s even bringing in outside sources to help. Thus far, the Jets pass coverage has been problematic. Outside of cornerback Sauce Gardner, they’ve allowed quarterbacks to have their way on the field. As a result, the Jets decided to get aggressive on defensive back options. In a trade with the Tennessee Titans, the Jets acquired starting cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Within the trade, New York sent Tennessee a 2026th sixth-round pick. In return, Tennessee will also give New York a 2026 seventh-round pick along with Brownlee Jr.
TRADE: The Jets are acquiring Titans CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and a 2026 7th-round pick for a 2026 6th-rounder, per source. pic.twitter.com/NcW6AAI7wn
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 23, 2025
Report: Jets Acquire Starting Cornerback From Titans
After going 0-3 to begin the season, the New York Jets require help. Along with their record, the team has been piling up injuries early. Initially, it began with starting quarterback Justin Fields suffering a concussion. Afterward, star edge rusher Jermaine Johnson and wide receiver Josh Reynolds missed the Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with injuries as well. Additionally, despite returning to the game later, star cornerback Sauce Gardner went to the locker room mid-game to examine a head injury. Thus far, New York has been lackluster on defense, allowing an average of 31 points per game.
To help counter this, New York has acquired some defensive back help. On Tuesday, the team traded for cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Prior to becoming a fifth-round pick by the Titans last year, Brownlee spent five seasons between Florida State and Louisville in college. Initially, he spent time as a rotational back behind starters L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie. However, an injury to Awuzie would push Brownlee Jr into the starting role vs. the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. Through his rookie season, Brownlee started 14 out of 17 games and appeared in every game last year. His 75 total tackles ranked third among rookie cornerbacks. In addition, Brownlee finished with an interception and a fumble recovery. If Jarvis can control the penalties, he can have a long-term future in the league.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr. defending the run/fighting people pic.twitter.com/Bv09F1Dyue
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) May 29, 2025
Where does Jason Brownlee Jr. fit in the secondary?
Due to Brownlee Jr’s starting experience and two years of team control, some changes could be coming. If Sauce Gardner can play, Brownlee Jr. becomes a valuable rotational piece. Thus far, Brandon Stephens hasn’t lived up to expectations, dropping two crucial interceptions vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers that would have won them the season opener. If his struggles continue, New York will need a viable replacement outside of rookie Azareye’h Thomas. Additionally, Brownlee is under team control until 2028. If Brownlee proves to be a viable starting option, he’d be valuable for the Jets cap space long term. A starting caliber cornerback making just over $1 million is great value.
Main Photo: [Denny Simmons/The Tennessean] – Imagn Images
