The New York Jets secondary is currently one of the best units in the league. They rank third in passing yards allowed per game at just 171. They also sit fourth in air yards allowed. But there is a massive catch to these great numbers. The team has achieved this turnaround without playing Nahshon Wright in a single defensive snap.
A few months ago, the plan looked very different. The Jets signed Wright to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million. They wanted his ability to take the ball away. Last year with the Bears, he led the league with eight takeaways. He also tied for the league lead with five interceptions. Now, that potential playmaker is sitting on the sidelines.
Coverage Struggles Cost Wright His Spot
The problem isn’t his ability to find the ball. The problem is what happens when the ball comes his way. Sports Illustrated reported that Wright struggles in coverage. This makes it hard for head coach Aaron Glenn to trust him.
A minor injury during training camp didn’t help either. Now, Wright is stuck playing almost exclusively on special teams. He was even a healthy scratch during the Week 3 game against the Lions. The team even gave rookie D’Angelo Ponds a chance to debut in that game.
The Rise of New Faces
The Jets are finding success with other players. Brandon Stephens has been a rock on the outside. Azareye’h Thomas is also playing well. He has a 68.3 coverage grade, which ranks 23rd among 99 qualifying cornerbacks, per reports.
It is hard to find a path back for Wright when the current group is winning. The team has used very few players in the rotation. Besides Stephens, Thomas, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr., the only other corner to see the field is Ponds. With the secondary playing so well, Wright is becoming an afterthought in the defensive game plan.
Depth Chart Uncertainty
The veteran’s future in New York looks bleak. The Jets have shown no sign of needing him in their primary defensive plans. Even with the talent around him, the numbers don’t lie. The team’s improved stats at the top of the league are happening while Wright remains inactive on defense. If the current duo stays healthy, Wright’s time in New York might end much sooner than anyone expected.
