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New York Jets Sign 27-Year-Old Former Second-Round QB

New York Jets

New York Jets

After being led to a 3-14 season in which they ranked 29th in scoring, the New York Jets set out to overhaul their quarterback room this offseason. They did so by letting Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor sign elsewhere as backups. Later, they released Brady Cook, who has since landed as a backup with the Miami Dolphins.

With all three of the QBs who started games for them last season no longer on the roster, the Jets responded by buying low on a former Pro Bowler, trading a sixth-round pick for Geno Smith. Later, when the 2026 NFL Draft came around, the Jets added Cade Klubnik in the fourth round. They also have Bailey Zappe on the practice squad, but now the Jets are adding another QB to the stable.

Related: 2026 NFL QB Rankings Before Week 3: Purdy and Mahomes Soar After Big Games

New York Jets Sign Will Levis to Practice Squad

NFL: Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans

Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) stands under center against the Chicago Bears during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Perhaps not quite fully content with having a 22-year-old rookie operate as Smith’s primary backup, the Titans recently worked out a more experienced option, 27-year-old Will Levis. The workout reportedly went well.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Jets are now signing the former second-round pick to their practice squad. Levis could soon find himself competing with Klubnik for the team’s backup QB job.

Yet, if the Jets’ season starts to go on a downward spiral, they’d likely turn to Klubnik before someone like Levis, as they’ve invested more into the former. However, if the Jets find themselves in the thick of an AFC Wild Card race, then it’s possible they’d eventually feel more inclined to turn to someone with more experience, such as Levis who has 21 NFL starts under his belt.

Levis missed all of 2025 with a shoulder injury, but he was able to get back on the field during preseason action. Though, the fourth-year pro looked a bit rusty in his first action since the 2024 season.

Nevertheless, he still has a very strong arm, and he’s exactly the type of developmental prospect the Jets should be taking a chance on, knowing that their 35-year-old starting QB isn’t a long-term solution.

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