What happened: New York Jets cornerback Azareye'h Thomas has switched his jersey from No. 23 to No. 1 for his second NFL season. The single digit became available following the trade that sent All-Pro defender Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts last year. Thomas embraced the elevated expectations that accompany the high-profile assignment.

Why it matters: The transition highlights the confidence of a young defensive back seeking to establish himself in a restructured secondary. New York struggled mightily to generate turnovers during a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing the year without a single interception as a defensive unit. The franchise is now relying on a cornerback group featuring Thomas, Nahshon Wright, and Brandon Stephens to rebound in the upcoming 2026 season.

What to watch: The defensive backfield will attempt to forge a new identity during the upcoming training camp.