The Jets infamously had no interceptions and were last in the NFL in turnovers forced last season.
In steps Nahshon Wright.
The cornerback led the league in turnovers forced last season with the Bears and had a career-high five interceptions.
The Oregon State product attributes confidence, consistent playing time and “having a knack for the ball” as the reasons for his breakout season, all of which he expects to bring to the Jets.
Wright signed a one-year deal with $3.5 million guaranteed because he thought it was the “right situation to come here and be able to prove myself again.”
The former Cowboy said the Jets’ interception-free 2025 was not part of his decision, and the dubious record hasn’t been brought up at all in the locker room or in meetings.
Wright is one of many players brought into the new-look Jets secondary to fix that exact problem.
New York spent the No. 50 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on 5-foot-9 cornerback D’Angelo Ponds from Indiana and brought in two veteran safeties, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Andre Cisco.
In 15 games with the Hoosiers last season, Ponds had 61 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.
Wright said the rookie is “super sticky in coverage,” and he has been impressed with his aggressiveness so far at minicamp.
He also said Fitzpatrick has been great with the young guys and bringing everyone in the secondary up to speed in meetings.
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“[Fitzpatrick] carries himself in a way that naturally promotes leadership and guys’ respect,” Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker said. … “He’ll continue to be a great example. He’ll continue to communicate well, and the leadership happens naturally because of who he is as a person.”
Wright and the rest of the secondary will also get help from an improved pass rush with the additions of T’Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata, David Bailey and Joseph Ossai this offseason.
“Rush and coverage are tied together,” Wright said. “When you got guys that can get up at the quarterback and you speed the quarterback up and make him uncomfortable in the pocket, they make errant throws and throws they maybe shouldn’t have made.”
