Another rookie bites the dust.
The New York Jets announced on Saturday, December 13, that first-year cornerback Azareye’h Thomas was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder issue. With only four games remaining in the 2025 regular season, AZ Thomas’ rookie season is officially over.
This is the second rookie the Jets have lost for the season. Defensive lineman Tyler Baron was also placed on IR with a knee issue.
Brutal Way for Thomas’ Season to End for the Jets
NFL analyst Will Parkinson posted, “Brutal for AZ Thomas. Showed a lot in limited action as a rookie, Promising future for him. The injuries piling up for the Jets to end 2025.”
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reminded folks that Thomas had the unenviable task of replacing Sauce Gardner in the lineup this year. Gardner was shipped off in a blockbuster deal ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline.
That naturally opened a spot in the starting lineup in the secondary. That gig went to Thomas — no pressure.
“Third-round pick showed some promise, but loses valuable PT [playing time] down the stretch,” Cimini added.
Jets Will Be Looking for Another CB This Offseason
Thomas, 21, entered the league as the No. 73 overall pick in the third round of April’s draft.
He ended up appearing in 12 games and made five starts. Thomas finishes his rookie campaign with seven pass deflections, 22 total tackles, and two tackles for loss.
“He had recorded PDs in six connective games, the longest current pass defense streak among NFL rookies. It also tied with Darrelle Revis for the second-longest streak by a Jets rookie since 2000,” Jets senior reporter Eric Allen wrote in a press release.
Thomas has certainly shown flashes, but not nearly enough to be a locked-in starter heading into 2026. Two of the Jets’ starting corners feel locked in with Jarvis Brownlee Jr in the slot and Brandon Stephens at one of the boundary spots.
The Jets can’t just expect Thomas to be that guy in 2026. They will have to do their due diligence in free agency, the 2026 NFL draft, and on the trade market to add some depth at corner.
However, AZ will have a chance to prove himself. Throughout the OTAs, mandatory minicamp, training camp, and the preseason will be Thomas’ opportunity to earn a starting gig or, at the very least, a prominent rotational role on defense.
Thomas has three years remaining on his $6.5 million rookie contract. He isn’t scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent until the year 2029.
Jets Make Flurry of Roster Moves
With Thomas being placed on IR, that created an open spot on the 53-man roster. The Jets decided to use that on linebacker Cam Jones, who they activated off of injured reserve.
“Placed on injured reserve on Oct. 25, Jones (6-2, 227) sustained a hip injury in the Jets’ Week 6 loss to the Broncos in London. A third-year player, Jones was claimed off waivers by the Jets after initial 53-man rosters were finalized in August. The Indiana product, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and spent two years in Kansas City, appeared in the first 6 games for the Green & White this season. He played 105 snaps on special teams and 3 on defense,” Jets senior reporter Eric Allen wrote in a press release.
The team also made two temporary practice squad elevations: quarterback Adrian Martinez and defensive back Tre Brown.
Both players will revert to the P-Squad on Monday, December 15.
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