This expensive New York Jets addition has not played up to expectations.

The New York Jets made several notable additions during the offseason, and while quarterback Justin Fields may have been the headliner, the Jets also spent a good deal of money on cornerback Brandon Stephens.

After losing D.J. Reed to the Detroit Lions, New York turned around and signed Stephens to a three-year, $36 million contract, this even though Stephens had struggled mightily with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.

Perhaps not so surprisingly, Stephens' struggles have continued this season, and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic has called the 27-year-old's performance 'alarming' thus far.

"Stephens looked to be making strides during an impressive training camp but that has not translated to the regular season," Rosenblatt wrote. "Stephens has been a liability both in coverage and as a tackler. Through three games, Stephens has already allowed three touchdowns in coverage, two of them coming when he either slipped or misjudged a route in Week 1 against the Steelers. The third came when the Jets confusingly opted to leave Stephens one-on-one with Mike Evans in the tight red zone during a Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

Stephens has logged 15 tackles and one pass defended thus far in 2025, posting a 54.9 overall grade and a 52.7 coverage grade over at Pro Football Focus.

At this point, the Jets probably would have been better off just paying a little extra money to retain Reed, who inked a three-year, $48 million pact with the Lions.

"Though fans calling for Stephens to be benched (or moved to safety) in favor of rookie Azareye’h Thomas might not want to hold their breath — the Jets aren’t giving up on him yet," Rosenblatt added.

That New York isn't giving up on Stephens yet is not shocking considering what the Jets paid to land him on the open market. This even though the former third-round pick managed just a 50.7 coverage grade with the Ravens last season.

It's still early, but it's already looking like this was an expensive mistake for New York, which handed Stephens a tick under $23 million in guaranteed money.

The Jets are 0-3 and will face the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.