Add The New York Post on Google Azareye’h Thomas was ready to prove himself, ready to make the most of his opportunity, ready to show he should be a long-term starter.
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Just as Thomas was getting the chance to compete for a starting cornerback spot due to Sauce Gardner’s departure, he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 14 and was placed on injured reserve, ending his rookie season early.
It was unfamiliar territory for Thomas, as it was the first serious injury he had suffered and first time he underwent surgery.
“Who wouldn’t be frustrated?” Thomas said when asked about his frustration level over the injury. “You work all your life to get to this moment and you go out with injury. … It was different [because it was my first time requiring surgery].”
Jets’ Azareye’h Thomas (1) and Nahshon Wright (26) run a drill during practice at training camp on Monday, August 3, 2026, in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post “I’m a physical player. I’m not afraid to go down there and hit,” Thomas said. “I know I had the surgery and everything, but that ain’t stopping me. I actually feel like my shoulder is stronger than it’s ever been.”
After an up-and-down rookie campaign, Thomas enters 2026 in a battle with veteran Nahshon Wright for a starting spot opposite Brandon Stephens.
Rookie D’Angelo Ponds could also make a push to start, but he’s likely suited for the slot, leaving the competition mainly between Thomas and Wright.
The cornerback duel won’t be a cakewalk for Thomas considering Wright had five interceptions with the Bears last season.
Jets’ Azareye’h Thomas talks to the media after practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ, on Monday, August 3, 2026. Bill Kostroun/New York Post But Thomas, a third-round pick last year out of Florida State, is ready to prove himself again.
“My mindset is taking it one step, one day at a time with my teammates,” Thomas said. “Continue to be a great teammate, showing up every day, that’s my mindset.”
Thomas showed several flashes in 2025, recording at least one pass deflection in six straight games, tied with Darrelle Revis for the second-longest streak by a Jets rookie since 2000.
Thomas finished his rookie campaign with 22 tackles and seven pass deflections while displaying solid physicality.
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But it was far from perfect, as his 55.1 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 87th among 114 qualified cornerbacks and his 55.5 coverage grade was 86th.
Entering Year 2, Thomas said he’s emphasizing trusting himself more to make plays.
“Really just trusting my eyes, trusting my study,” Thomas said. “I feel like last year I hesitated a lot on a lot of things. I feel like there were a lot of plays I left out there.”
