The New York Jets are heading into Week 15 with a quarterback situation that’s gone from uncertain to downright historic. With injuries and inconsistency plaguing the depth chart, the team is turning to undrafted rookie Brady Cook to start against the Jacksonville Jaguars - a move that hasn’t been made by the franchise in nearly 50 years.
Yes, you read that right. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Cook will become the first undrafted rookie quarterback to start a game for the Jets since 1975.
That year, J.J. Jones - out of Fisk University - got the nod for an injured Joe Namath, only to be pulled after a few series.
Jones finished with one completion… and one interception.
Now, it’s Cook’s turn to take the reins, and while the circumstances aren’t ideal, the opportunity is massive.
Cook was thrust into action last week against the Miami Dolphins, and to be blunt, it showed that he wasn’t ready. He struggled across the board - timing, reads, pocket presence - all the things that separate a game manager from a game changer.
But that shouldn’t come as a surprise. He wasn’t expected to see the field, and the Jets didn’t exactly put him in a position to succeed.
That part - the lack of preparedness - is something the Jets have to own. Depth matters in this league, especially at quarterback, and even undrafted rookies need to be ready to go. The NFL doesn’t wait for anyone to get up to speed.
The good news? Cook gets another shot.
This time, with a full week of first-team reps and a game plan tailored to his strengths. That alone could make a world of difference.
We’re not expecting him to light it up, but if he can show poise, command the huddle, and move the chains, that’s a win - for him and for the Jets.
It’s also a moment that speaks to the broader state of the Jets’ quarterback room. Injuries and underperformance have left the team scrambling, and while Cook may not be the long-term answer, this is the kind of trial-by-fire that can reveal whether there’s something worth developing.
Realistically, Cook is likely auditioning for a long-term backup role - either in New York or somewhere else in the league. But even that’s a valuable outcome.
Backup quarterbacks who can step in, manage a game, and keep the offense afloat are critical in today’s NFL. And if Cook can show he belongs on an NFL sideline, that’s a big step forward for a player who wasn’t even drafted.
For the Jets, this is about more than just one game. It’s about evaluating talent, building depth, and maybe - just maybe - finding a diamond in the rough. And for Cook, it’s a shot to make history, not just by starting, but by showing he deserves to stay.