Azareye’h Thomas has caught Aaron Glenn’s eye while making most of Jets chance

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Azareye’h Thomas has caught Aaron Glenn’s eye while making most of Jets chance

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Azareye'h Thomas #1 of the New York Jets looks on during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on August 14, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Image 2 shows Azareye'H Thomas #23 of the New York Jets tackles Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 07, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Howie Kussoy · NY Post Sports

Mon, Aug 17, 2026 ·

2 min read

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"Now, is he where he needs to be? Not at all. But man, that improvement speaks a ton about how he's gone about training camp."

Thomas entered training camp in a battle with Nahshon Wright — who led the NFL with eight individual takeaways last season — for the starting cornerback spot across from Brandon Stephens .

But with Wright sidelined by a hip injury, Thomas has taken advantage of another opportunity.

As a rookie, Thomas showed flashes of his potential following the trade of Sauce Gardner .

In his final six games, the third-round pick out of Florida State recorded six pass breakups and 21 tackles before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, which forced him to undergo surgery for the first time.

Azareye'h Thomas #1 of the New York Jets looks on during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on August 14, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Getty Images

"It was tough, but I wouldn't take it back because I learned so much about myself, about this game and just how fragile this game truly is," said Thomas, who broke up a pass in eight snaps against the Buccaneers last week. "It's a revolving door. You just never know what happens, so you all got to stay ready. And so it was definitely challenging, but I'm thankful and I'm blessed for it. The No. 1 thing I learned is just to respond."

When the Jets line up for their second preseason game Friday in Pittsburgh , Thomas — who changed from No. 23 to Gardner's old No. 1 this season — is expected to take the field with the starters again.

Another opportunity awaits.

"When the coaches trust you, you're gonna play even harder for them," Thomas said.