The New York Jets have been in a struggle this season, and a huge reason why has been the shaky play from the quarterback position.
Justin Fields was a swing and a miss at $40 million in free agency, and Tyrod Taylor hasn't been much better. Brady Cook is now the starter amid injuries to Fields and Taylor, but some extra insurance is needed with these injuries.
That's why the report from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero isn't a surprise. The Jets are signing a quarterback to the practice squad, but it's an interesting name. Hendon Hooker, the former Detroit Lions and Tennessee Volunteers QB, is joining the Jets.
Jets sign former Tennessee, Lions QB to practice squad
Pelissero reports that, "The Jets signed QB Hendon Hooker to the practice squad." Ahead of Week 16, with injuries to Fields and Taylor, the Jets are adding to their QB room.
Hooker is 27 years old and was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He made three appearances in 2024 for the Lions, completing six-of-nine passes for 62 yards.
After some time with the Lions, they released him this past summer, before he was picked up by the Carolina Panthers. He was elevated to the active roster once and was released in early November.
After a month as a free agent, the Jets decided to bring in Hooker to be a potential backup option with Fields and Taylor banged up.
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Hooker, in his final Senior season with Tennessee in 2022, threw for a 69.6 completion percentage with 3,135 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He placed fifth in Heisman voting this season.
In 2021, Hooker had a 68.0 completion percentage with 2,945 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Hooker is one of the older quarterbacks to be drafted in recent years, and while he struggled to find a home with the Lions, he now has a chance to make his mark for the Jets.
It's a low-risk move for the Jets, and could make the final three weeks interesting if Hooker gets a chance to make his first career NFL start.
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