Jets' most criticized free agent is suddenly proving everyone wrong

NY Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens | John Jones-Imagn ImagesThe New York Jets didn’t make many long-term commitments this offseason, but when they did, they went all-in. Cornerback Brandon Stephens was one of just two players signed to a multi-year deal by the team’s new regime, landing a three-year, $36 million contract that immediately raised eyebrows.

The signing received plenty of criticism, not just because of the price tag, but because Stephens was coming off a rocky season in Baltimore in which he was statistically one of the worst starting cornerbacks in the NFL.

But the Jets weren’t deterred. They believed Stephens could thrive in their defensive system, with a coaching staff loaded…