The Jets made a pair of under-the-radar roster moves this week, but don’t let the lack of headlines fool you-there’s some intrigue here if you’re paying attention. Quarterback Hendon Hooker has been signed to the practice squad, while safety Jarius Monroe has officially been promoted to the 53-man roster. These aren’t blockbuster transactions, but both players bring upside that’s worth keeping an eye on.
Let’s start with Hooker. The former Tennessee standout has one of the strongest arms of any young quarterback still trying to carve out a role in the league.
He’s 27 years old, which is a bit on the older side for a developmental QB, and he’s only thrown nine career NFL passes. So yes, the learning curve is still steep.
But the physical tools? They’re real.
Hooker’s college résumé includes some big-time moments in the SEC, and if you’ve seen that deep ball he dropped to Jalin Hyatt against LSU in 2022, you know exactly the kind of arm talent we’re talking about. That wasn’t just a highlight throw-it was a glimpse into the kind of vertical passing game he could bring to the table if given the right opportunity.
There’s also a familiarity factor here. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand were both in Detroit when Hooker was drafted by the Lions in 2023.
That connection could help fast-track his acclimation to the Jets’ system. He’s not being brought in to start right now, but don’t be surprised if he sticks around on a futures deal and gets a shot to compete in the offseason.
This is the kind of low-risk, high-upside move that can quietly pay dividends down the line.
On the defensive side, Jarius Monroe’s promotion is a move to watch-especially considering the Jets are still looking for their first interception of the season. That’s not a typo.
Zero picks. For a defense that prides itself on being aggressive and opportunistic, that’s a glaring hole.
Monroe, a rangy safety out of Tulane, had six interceptions over his final two college seasons. He’s got the kind of length and ball skills that could help change that stat line in a hurry.
With Tony Adams ruled out for Sunday’s game, Monroe could see the field sooner than later. And if he does, he’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact on a unit that badly needs someone to flip the turnover script.
Neither of these moves will dominate the headlines, but they’re the kind of depth decisions that can quietly shape a team’s trajectory. Hooker brings arm talent and familiarity with the coaching staff, while Monroe offers a potential spark in a secondary still searching for its first takeaway. In a season where the Jets have been looking for answers at key positions, both of these additions offer something the team could use more of: upside.