The New York Jets can’t afford help that hurts. However, desperate to shore up their struggling secondary, coach Aaron Glenn and the squad made a move by bringing in cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who had been starting regularly for the Tennessee Titans. The Jets not only picked up Brownlee but also snagged a 2026 seventh-round pick, sending a 2026 sixth-rounder to the Titans. But will the CB be able to help when he struggles with the same issue as his new team?

Brownlee Jr., who signed with a 4-year, $4.3 million contract, is well known for his tendency to garner penalties. He drew 14 last season, which cost his team 57 yards. His aggressive play has already cost him this season, drawing flags in two games for illegal contact, a 16-yard pass interference, and a 15-yard face mask. While Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson praised the player’s performance, he cautioned him about the penalties.

“I want him to play with the tenacity that he plays with, and I want him to play hard,” Wilson said before Week 2. “But the penalties must stop. I’ve been raised with the thought that if you allow it to happen, it’s not good. We have to clean it up.”

Now, this isn’t new for the Jets’ coach, who has long been giving the same warning to his team. The Jets have been struggling with their penalties since the preseason. They racked up 10 penalties for 91 yards in their preseason opener. They gave up 5 penalties for 35 yards in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, and 7 for 81 yards against the Buccaneers.

But while Brownlee Jr’s reputation may make it seem like he’ll only add to the Jets’ penalty woes, there are also a number of upsides to his signing.

Now, Brownlee is primarily an outside corner who’s also chipped in on special teams during his time with the Titans. He showed an impressive performance as a run defender last year, ranking 17th among corners with at least 500 snaps as per PFF. He started the first two games of 2025 before missing Week 3 with an ankle injury. As for his position in the team, he might compete for the starting position with cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens.

While Brownlee could be an asset for the Jets (terms and conditions apply), this isn’t the end of troubles for the coach.

Big blow for the Aaron Glenn’s defense as Quincy Williams lands on IR

Linebacker Quincy Williams left the Jets’ game against the Buccaneers after sustaining a shoulder injury during a pile-up situation on a third-and-2 running play. Reports suggest the injury isn’t season-ending. But as Rich Cimini reported, the linebacker is placed on injured reserve.

This will sideline him for at least four crucial games against the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Carolina Panthers. This is when the Jets desperately need a strong defensive presence. Whether Williams returns after the four games or takes more time to recover, his absence is a huge blow to a Jets defense that has already allowed the fourth-most points in the league (93). During his three appearances this season, Williams recorded 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks. There are more players down with injury.

And replacing one of the best playmakers on the roster won’t be easy, as was clear in the loss to the Buccaneers. After Williams was unable to return, the Jets turned to linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball, who also landed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury that he sustained in the game. That leaves the team relying on linebackers Kiko Mauigoa and Cam Jones.

While Williams recovers, the Jets signed linebacker Mark Robinson off the Patriots’ practice squad to strengthen the unit. While offensive lineman Liam Fornadel is released from the practice squad, veteran Ben Niemann is added to fill in the gap.

The only hope on this end is for Williams to return quickly while the rest of the roster steps up to help the squad.