The New York Jets pulled off highway robbery ahead of Week 4.
On Tuesday, September 24, the Jets traded away a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Jets an ‘A-‘ grade for the trade, and the Titans received a ‘C’ for the return they received.
“Brownlee has been a success story considering his draft position. With his experience and nearly three cheap years remaining on his rookie contract, I’m surprised the Jets got him for so little. At worst, he’s a good depth option (my colleague Rich Cimini indicated Brownlee could provide depth at nickel, as well) with both short- and long-term upside — especially if Stephens continues to struggle,” Walder said.
“I don’t get why the Titans would want to deal Brownlee for so little right now. Rebuilding teams should acknowledge who they are and deal veterans for draft capital — but that’s not Brownlee! He is a young starting corner who netted very, very little in return,” Walder added. “Brownlee’s youth and remaining cheap contract meant they let a lot walk out the door for almost nothing in exchange.”
This Was a Steal for the Jets
Brownlee, 24, entered the NFL as the No. 146 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He still has three years remaining on his $4.3 million rookie contract. Brownlee isn’t scheduled to be a free agent until 2028.
Since entering the league last year, Brownlee has been a full-time starting cornerback for Tennessee. This season, he started two of the first three games, only missing this past one because of injury.
I texted with a Titans media member who has covered the team, and he was befuddled that Tennessee gave him away for nothing more than a late-round pick swap.
“Super physical press corner. Played well as a rookie, but penalties were a huge problem. Great against the run. Great tackler for a corner. Must have been something off the field or in the locker room they didn’t like because trading him for that cheap makes zero sense to me. I have no clue what this franchise is doing over here, to be honest,” he texted me.
Jets Have Been Banged up at Corner
Whether this is a depth move or perhaps putting a highly paid corner on notice, cough, cough (Brandon Stephens), it’s a win.
Michael Carter II hasn’t looked like himself this season. Last year, just before the season started, the Jets made him the highest-paid nickel corner in the league. Throughout the season, he battled injuries and delivered a subpar year. After a healthy offseason, most assumed he would return to form, but it hasn’t happened.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote on social media that the Jets don’t really have a great backup option for Carter in the slot.
The two guys who could contribute there are both listed at safety: rookie Malachi Moore and veteran Isaiah Oliver.
The Jets landed a starting corner who could push two struggling starters for playing time and, at worst, provide invaluable depth. This is a huge win for general manager Darren Mougey.
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