The New York Jets have ditched their rookie quarterback.
Gang Green announced that they have waived undrafted free agent Brady Cook ahead of the deadline.
The Jets’ full initial 53-man roster can be found on their team website.
That Leaves the Jets Dangerously Thin at the QB Position
With Cook hitting waivers, the Jets are left with just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.
Justin Fields is the starter, and Tyrod Taylor is the backup.
The other two quarterbacks who were with the team during camp were both waived this week. Cook on Tuesday and Adrian Martinez a few days ago. If they clear waivers, there is a chance they can be brought back on the team’s 16-man practice squad.
Jets Are Playing a Very Risky Game
Neither Fields nor Taylor has ever played a full regular season in their respective NFL careers.
That makes the QB3 role on the Jets even more important. Right now, the team doesn’t have a third quarterback on the roster.
Even if Cook or Martinez had made the roster, neither player has much experience. As a matter of fact, neither Cook nor Martinez has ever thrown a pass during an NFL regular-season game.
Jets Front Office Has to Scour the Market for Available Quarterbacks
The Jets obviously didn’t like enough of what they saw from their guys to keep them on the 53-man roster.
So the team owes it to itself to evaluate the top options available in free agency.
Several names could make sense that are set to be available.
The Buffalo Bills released Mike White. He has familiarity with the Jets and with the AFC East in general, spending time both in Miami and with the Bills.
The New York Giants waived Tommy DeVito. He is young (27), has experience (has started eight games), and has a live arm.
Another local story that could come together is former Syracuse Football passer Kyle McCord.
McCord, 22, entered the league as the No. 181 overall pick in the sixth round. He spent the past couple of months with the Philadelphia Eagles, but wasn’t able to crack the 53-man roster.
What Are the Jets Looking for in a QB3?
Before we can determine which passer would be the right fit, we need to know what the Jets are looking for.
Is it someone who could step up in a pinch this season? If so, someone with experience like White or DeVito would make the most sense.
However, if the coaching staff is seeking a developmental project behind the scenes, then McCord is someone who fits that puzzle.
Fields is 26 years of age, and Taylor is 36. While the team is high on Fields’ potential, he has a lot of tape out there that hasn’t been good.
The Jets need to buy multiple lottery tickets at the QB position. Odds say Fields will not suddenly transform into a franchise quarterback in his fifth professional season. It’s not impossible, but highly unlikely.
Jets Cut Rookie QB in Final Roster Move Ahead of Deadline