Jets to have training camp competition to fix embarrassing issue for Aaron Glenn

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The New York Jets are coming off one of the more embarrassing seasons in recent NFL history. They not only finished the year on a terrible note, but they also missed out on the No. 1 overall pick.

But the worst thing from last season for Aaron Glenn's team was that they didn't have even one interception all year long. It set an NFL record for the only time a team has ever gone a full season without a pick. That's just embarrassing.

Heading into 2026 training camp, ESPN's Ben Solak identified the Jets' cornerback competition as one of the top battles to watch this summer. The reason is simple: the winners will be tasked with snapping this zero-INT streak for Glenn's defense.

Jets CB competition meant to fix embarrassing 0-INT issue

"Rookie Azareye'h Thomas, a third-rounder in 2025, was the first man up for the vacated snaps," Solak writes. "He looked good for a few games before a shoulder injury ended his season. Thomas will be first in line for starting reps opposite veteran Brandon Stephens, but he faces stiff competition."

While Thomas might be the current favorite, two cornerbacks could push for a starting job this summer during training camp.

Nahshon Wright and D'Angelo Ponds are the two players who will be competing with Thomas for the Jets' starting outside cornerback job.

Wright had a breakout season with the Chicago Bears last season, recording five interceptions and two forced fumbles. He'd be the exact kind of ball-hawking cornerback the Jets could use to snap this interception drought.

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But Ponds is a legitimate starting option, as the 2026 second-rounder is a very intriguing option. He's 5-foot-8 and is the closest thing to Aaron Glenn in the NFL right now. Fittingly, he's being coached by his NFL comparison.

With his own ball-hawking ability showcased during his three collegiate seasons, having two interceptions in 2023, three in 2024, and then three in 2025, he's a solid starting option for the Jets this season.

As Solak notes, "This feels like a true three-way battle, and the Jets desperately need a clear winner."

For Glenn's defense, which needs to secure an interception early in the season to further extend an embarrassing streak, this CB competition will be a very important one this summer.