Underrated Jets Player Deserves More Attention in 2026

We’re calling it now. Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas could be one of the Jets’ biggest breakout candidates heading into the 2026 season.

Thomas joined the Jets in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft a the No. 73 overall pick, and he showed good signs during his rookie campaign. While he wasn’t a huge win on the field every week, he held his own as a young defensive back adjusting to life in the NFL, which is no small task at one of the league’s most demanding positions.

Thomas appeared in 12 games before a shoulder injury cut his season short and put him on injured reserve. Missing the final stretch of the year wasn’t the way he wanted to finish his rookie season, but there was enough positive tape before the injury to give the Jets reason for optimism.

Now the focus shifts to Year 2. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report thinks this could be a breakout year for Thomas. He says Thomas is the team’s second-year player most likely to advance in 2026.

More sports news: Bills Would Be Smart to Make One More Signing in the Offseason

“That first-round Armand Membou selection is on the right track, and there’s limited pressure on second-rounder Mason Taylor now that they’ve drafted Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq. But Thomas should be in the mix for a starting job after making minimal impact as a fairly raw rookie third-round pick,” he says in the piece. “In the quest to fill Sauce Gardner’s shoes, it would be big for the Jets if this pick were to ultimately hit.”

Why Azareye’h Thomas Could Thrive in 2026

With a full offseason of experience under his belt and a better understanding of the complexity of the NFL game, Thomas could be in position to take a major step forward. Young cornerbacks often make their biggest jump between their first and second seasons, once the learning curve begins to calm down.

More sports news: Lamar Jackson Needs More WR Help Ahead of 2026

Assuming he’s fully healthy when training camp opens, Thomas will have an opportunity to build on what he started as a rookie. The talent is there, and so is the opportunity. If everything comes together, 2026 could be the season he makes himself as a key piece of the Jets’ secondary. And they need it. They were 3-14 last season. They need all the help they can get.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 12:33 PM.