With both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields unavailable in Week 15, the New York Jets rolled out undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook as the team’s starting signal caller.
In his first career start, Cook completed 22 of his 33 pass attempts for 176 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions as the Jets fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 48-20 final score.
The Jets are sticking with Cook as their starting quarterback for Sunday’s Week 16 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, despite Taylor (groin/knee) and Fields (knee) both being listed as questionable. Head coach Aaron Glenn said it’s uncertain which of these QBs will serve as Cook’s primary backup on Sunday.
On Thursday, the Jets announced a new quarterback signing — adding former third-round draft pick Hendon Hooker to the practice squad.
The Jets released Adrian Martinez from the practice squad on Tuesday, making room for Hooker as the team’s new emergency backup option.
Following his stellar, five-year collegiate career as a star quarterback for the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tennessee Volunteers, Hooker entered the league as the Detroit Lions’ No. 68 overall draft pick in the 2023 class.
Glenn was defensive coordinator for the Lions when the organization selected Hooker. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand was Detroit’s passing game coordinator for both of the young quarterback’s seasons with the team.
Hooker suffered a torn ACL late in his final college season, landing him on the injured reserve for his entire rookie campaign. He’s appeared in just three NFL games since getting healthy, completing six of his nine pass attempts for 62 yards.
The Jets are 3-11 heading into the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season. Following Sunday’s matchup against the Saints, they’ll close out the year with tough games against the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.
New York will once again be on the hunt for its next franchise quarterback this coming offseason.