By Brandon Jones ’25
Brandon Stephens’ NFL journey has been a rollercoaster, going from one of the top cornerbacks to one of the most criticized in just a season. The reasons for this sharp decline remain unclear.
Stephens was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Surprisingly, he had only started playing cornerback during his junior year at SMU, where he led the team with 10 pass breakups. Known for his physicality, discipline, and hustle, Stephens also struggled with his technique and footwork. 
Initially drafted as a cornerback, Stephens was moved to safety during training camp, becoming the backup to free safety DeShon Elliott. His opportunity came in Week 9 when Elliott suffered a season-ending injury, thrusting Stephens into the starting role. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised Stephens’ growth, saying, “He’s playing very solid football back there, and I think his upside is ahead of him.”
In 2022, the Ravens added safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton. Harbaugh envisioned Stephens in a hybrid cornerback-safety role. However, injuries to corners Kyle Fuller and Jalyn Armour-Davis forced Stephens to primarily play cornerback after Week 4.
His performance was inconsistent. Stephens alternated between shutting down receivers and allowing big plays. For example, in Week 17 against the Steelers, he gave up eight catches for 96 yards on 12 targets—his worst game of the season. Despite flashes of promise, such inconsistency raised concerns.
The 2023 season marked a turning point. Injuries to key players, including Marlon Humphrey, elevated Stephens to the No. 1 cornerback role. Despite initial struggles, he emerged as one of the league’s best cornerbacks.
Over the season, Stephens allowed just two touchdowns—both to elite receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Cooper Kupp. Targeted 108 times, he held quarterbacks to an 80.6 passer rating and recorded the first two interceptions of his career.
His strong performance continued in the playoffs. Against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round, Stephens allowed just 60 yards. In the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, he limited their offense to under 50 yards, despite frequent targeting.
Entering the 2024 season, Stephens was in the final year of his rookie contract, with an opportunity to secure an extension. However, his performance declined significantly.
After a rough start to the season, Stephens struggled with coverage, allowing multiple big plays and touchdowns. He ended the season giving up 66 catches for 906 yards and four touchdowns, with a passer rating of 106.1 when targeted. His struggles continued in the Wild Card game against the Steelers, where he allowed seven catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.
Fans called for Stephens to be benched, and his struggles overshadowed improvements in the Ravens’ defense.
Brandon Stephens has constantly adapted throughout his career, transitioning from running back to defensive back in college, then from safety to cornerback in the NFL. While his third season showcased his potential, his fourth year revealed the challenges of consistency in professional football.
As Stephens approaches free agency, the future of his career—and whether he can return to his peak performance—remains uncertain.
Sources:
- NFLDraftBuzz.com: “Brandon Stephens CB SMU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report”
- Baltimore Ravens on Sports Illustrated: “Rookie Brandon Stephens Shines for Ravens”
- Baltimore Beatdown: “John Harbaugh says Brandon Stephens will ‘focus more’ on playing safety”
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