​Heading into the 2026 season, the Jets have made a series of moves to improve their roster and overall depth, but are they ready to compete for a playoff spot?In this series, we’ll break down the depth chart for every position group. This time, we’ll go in depth at the cornerback position…AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStarters: Azareye’h Thomas, Brandon Stephens, Jarvis Brownlee (slot)Backups: Nahshon Wright, D’Angelo Ponds, Qwan’tez StiggersKey additions/losses: Ponds was drafted in the second round of the draft and Wright was signed in free agencyTop performers in 2025: Stephens had 73 tackles, a forced fumble and a team-high nine pass breakups2025 ranking per PFF: Stephens ranked 36th out of 121 qualifying cornerbacksThe Jets traded former Pro-Bowler Sauce Gardner at the deadline last year, but Stephens stepped up well in his first season as a Jet and surprised many fans and analysts by being one of the Jets’ most consistent players.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThomas also impressed while he was in the lineup as a rookie, with a streak of six games with a pass breakup. In addition, New York acquired Brownlee during the season, and he did a good job in the slot.The Jets also bolstered their cornerback depth by drafting Ponds and signing Wright. Wright had a breakout season in Chicago last year and ended up going to the Pro Bowl, while Ponds is a player who has been compared to his new head coach, Aaron Glenn, so he should thrive under his mentorship.Stiggers – a core special-teamer – is also a good bet to make the roster as a reserve.The Jets’ failure to register an interception last season was unprecedented in NFL history, contributing to the fact that they won the turnover battle in just two games all season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe signing of Wright perhaps goes the longest way toward addressing that drought, because he broke out with five interceptions last season. The Jets will also hope that youngsters like Thomas and Ponds can become threats to create turnovers as they develop.Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (29) plays defense as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) falls during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. / Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesBrownlee gave the Jets a spark last season and the team was undeniably at its most competitive while he was in the lineup. However, the addition of Ponds puts his role as the starting slot corner under threat. Due to Ponds’ lack of size, many believe his future is in the slot — and he’s been getting time there during the offseason activities.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was clear that Glenn and the Jets liked the style of play Brownlee brought to the table with his tenaciousness and aggressiveness, but discipline and consistency have been concerns during his career so far.If Brownlee can continue to be a tone-setter, as he was during the middle part of last sea