There’s a new Jets cornerback who is looking to make a great first impression during 2026 Organized Team Activities. (OTAs) When looking back on how desperate the New York Jets defense was in 2026. Some will point to having the second-lowest sacks in the league as to blame. Others would point to the lack of size in the linebacker room to help Jamien Sherwood. Above all else, one thing the league will remember about the 2025 Jets defense was a lack of interceptions.
How many did they have? The same number as the fans. The New York Jets had zero interceptions in an entire 17-game season. Which is so rare, the team became the only one in the history of the National Football League since it became an officially tracked statistic in 1933. The Chicago Bears won the championship game against the New York Giants at Wrigley Field that season.
Speaking of Bears, there is a former Bears cornerback in New Jersey hoping to change that this year. After all, he had five picks last season on his way to his first Pro Bowl. At 28 years old, New Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright is looking to build off that. Once a top-100 draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys, Wright enjoyed a career season in Chicago after being cut by the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. During the first weeks of OTAs, competing to be a starter, the new Jets cornerback is off to a productive start.
New Jets Cornerback Making a Great First Impression
After a tumultuous season, the New York Jets defense needed to be rebuilt. After finishing last in the league in interceptions, along with 31st in both points allowed and sacks, general manager Darren Mougey brought in eight new starters throughout the offseason. Beginning with the defensive line, New York acquired promising defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans through a trade that reunited edge rusher Jermaine Johnson with Robert Saleh. Along with Sweat, the team signed veteran defensive lineman David Onyemata. He will provide a promising run-stopper, paired with Sweat, and reunite Onyemata with longtime coach Aaron Glenn, whom Onyemata played for with the New Orleans Saints.
Like Onyemata, the Jets provided Aaron Glenn with another old friend in veteran linebacker Demario Davis. Along with coaching Davis in New Orleans, Glenn worked in the Jets scouting department when Davis was drafted by New York in 2012. Davis isn’t the only notable addition to the linebacker room. The team also signed outside linebacker Joseph Ossai, who displayed strong run-stopping skills during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Joining the two veterans is second overall pick edge rusher David Bailey. After leading the NCAA in sacks & pressure rate, the team expects Bailey to become a routine double-digit sack threat.
But the secondary still needed support. Along with trading for veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, New York drafted cornerback D’Angelo Ponds in the second round. What Ponds lacks in height, he makes up for in speed and precision. The new Jets cornerback has already been compared to his new head coach. However, there’s another new Jets cornerback that has gained attention during the Jets OTAs.
WOW! Some impressive stuff here from newest @nyjets CB Nahshon Wright (@nahwrig).
All five of his 2025 interceptions right here, and the last one is incredible.@JetNation pic.twitter.com/SAeNhiezSt
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) March 10, 2026
Nahshon Wright rewriting his own story
Entering his sixth season in the league, new Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright has been making a strong first impression. The favorite to win the starting cornerback job, the Jets starter has capitalized early. Drafted out of Oregon State in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wright was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 99th overall pick. Despite making it to the NFL, Wright faced stiff competition among the Cowboys secondary. He was limited to only snaps on special teams. Through three seasons in Dallas, Wright only started two games due to penalty problems and injuries. Due to limited playing time, the Cowboys traded Wright to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for cornerback Andrew Booth Jr in August of 2024.
Within weeks of the trade, Wright was waived and placed on the Vikings practice squad. After the season, Wright was released by the Vikings. In search of a new opportunity, Wright signed with the Chicago Bears. It took Wright little time to stand out. In week one against his former team, Wright returned an interception by Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy for a 74-yard touchdown. This was the first of five interceptions last season.
Along with Wright forced two fumbles while recovering three. Through 16 starts, Wright finished the season with 80 tackles, including 54 solo tackles. Such production earned Wright his first career Pro Bowl selection.
The New Jets Cornerback Has Taken Advantage of OTAs
During the offseason, the New York Jets signed the turnover machine to a one-year deal. At 28 years old, the new Jets cornerback strives to build off his first full season as a starter. Even after his first Pro Bowl selection, Wright was expected to compete with a second-year cornerback, Azareye’h Thomas. Like Wright, Thomas was drafted in the third round with the 73rd overall pick out of Florida State. The rookie season wasn’t as exciting as he had hoped. Thomas played in 12 games and made only five starts, while missing the final four games due to a shoulder injury.
While Thomas is expected to get every opportunity to earn the starting job opposite veteran Brandon Stephens. However, the New Jets cornerback is providing major competition for the 2025 draft pick. Throughout the bulk of OTAs, Nahshon Wright has played snaps exclusively opposite Stephens. After failing to generate turnovers, Wright would be a big-playmaking addition to the secondary. However, the new Jets cornerback is not entirely flawless. Despite his ability to generate turnovers, Wright has given up over 700 yards to his assignment. Along with six passing touchdowns.
Even though he is prone to letting up big plays to wide receivers, Nashon Wright brings an intensity and tackling ability that should help New York. The new Jets cornerback has a golden opportunity to learn from Aaron Glenn. After all, who better to help elevate Wright’s game than a former four-time Pro Bowl cornerback who also developed Marshon Lattimore in New Orleans. If Wright can continue to generate turnovers while limiting yards allowed to opposing receivers, he could be in for a raise next offseason.
Main Photo: [Dan Powers/USA Today Network-Wisconsin] – Imagn Images
