Brady Cook’s Unexpected Shot: Jets Rookie QB Aims to Make the Most of His Moment
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - When the season started, Brady Cook was just hoping to hang around. Now, with two games left in a lost season, the undrafted rookie quarterback is the starter for the New York Jets - and he’s treating every snap like it could change his future.
The Jets, sitting at 3-12, have nothing left to play for in terms of standings or playoff hopes. But for Cook, these final two games are everything. They’re his audition, his proving ground, and maybe - just maybe - his first real step toward a long-term NFL career.
“I’m ten toes in and I’m going to ride this out for two weeks and just do everything I possibly can,” Cook said this week. There’s no mistaking the urgency in his voice. He knows what’s at stake.
Let’s be honest - it took a lot going wrong for Cook to even get this opportunity. He beat out Adrian Martinez in training camp to earn a spot on the practice squad, but no one expected him to see the field unless things went completely off the rails. And here we are.
The Jets will start Cook for the third straight game this Sunday when they host the Patriots. It’s a surreal moment for the 24-year-old Missouri product, who just a few months ago was preparing to be a scout team arm.
“Four to five months ago I definitely didn't expect this,” Cook said. “Naturally, you just don't expect something like this, right?
But now that I'm in it, I'm just in it. It’s day-to-day, it’s all day, it’s all of your energy, it’s all of your focus, and it’s all you can think about.”
Cook’s rise is more about circumstance than anything else. Justin Fields, who signed a two-year deal with $30 million guaranteed, flamed out in spectacular fashion and was placed on injured reserve this week - likely ending his tenure with the team.
After Fields was benched, the Jets turned to veteran Tyrod Taylor. But when Taylor went down with an injury three weeks ago in Miami, the Jets had no choice but to hand the keys to Cook.
Now, even with Taylor healthy, the Jets are sticking with the rookie. He’ll back up Cook for the second straight game.
“I think he gives us the best chance to win,” head coach Aaron Glenn said. “But we also want to evaluate where he's at.”
That second part is doing the heavy lifting. Let’s be real: Taylor’s experience probably gives the Jets a better shot at winning right now.
But at 3-12, it’s not about wins anymore - it’s about the future. And Cook is part of that evaluation process.
The Jets currently hold the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Depending on how things shake out - especially in the matchup between the 2-13 Giants and 2-13 Raiders this weekend - New York could move up in the order.
So yes, every loss has a silver lining in the form of draft capital. But don’t expect Cook or the locker room to think that way.
Cook’s focus is squarely on getting better. He’s thrown one touchdown and six interceptions in three games.
He’s been sacked 17 times, including eight last Sunday against the Saints. Some of those sacks were on him - he held the ball too long, trying to make something happen.
But even in the face of pressure, both literal and figurative, Cook is staying grounded.
“I think I'm handling it,” he said. “As a young quarterback, it's important to be critical of yourself.
These are very important reps and moments and opportunities for me to review myself and really understand where I'm at and where I need to improve. I think I would be doing a disservice to myself if I wasn't extremely critical of myself right now.”
That kind of self-awareness is rare for a rookie, especially one thrown into the fire like Cook. But it's also what gives him a shot.
He’s not pretending the game isn’t moving fast. He’s not blaming others.
He’s owning it - and that matters.
Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and Glenn both acknowledged they need to do more to help Cook. Defenses are dialing up exotic blitzes, trying to confuse and rattle the young QB.
And so far, it’s working. The key now is helping Cook settle in, play faster, and avoid the mental overload that can paralyze young quarterbacks.
“He’s just looking to put himself in position to seize the moment,” Engstrand said. “Brady's going to put forth his best effort regardless, and he knows this is a great opportunity for him.”
And that’s exactly what it is - an opportunity. For the Jets, these final two games are about evaluation.
For Cook, they’re about survival and maybe even a little redemption. He’s not just trying to prove he belongs in the league.
He’s trying to prove he can lead.
It’s been a rough ride for the Jets this season. But if Cook can find a rhythm, if he can show poise under pressure and growth from week to week, he might give fans something to feel good about heading into the offseason.
And maybe - just maybe - a reason to believe that something unexpected is brewing in Florham Park.