The New York Jets made a move to bolster their quarterback depth, signing Hendon Hooker to the practice squad on Thursday. While the addition might not turn heads at first glance, it’s a window into the current state of the Jets’ quarterback room-and it’s not exactly a position of strength heading into Week 16.
Hooker, now in his third NFL season, is set to turn 28 in just a few weeks. That’s a relatively advanced age for a quarterback who’s thrown just nine passes in the league.
This isn’t a long-term upside swing; it’s a depth move, plain and simple. The Jets are looking for stability in a position that’s been anything but stable this season, and Hooker offers some familiarity.
He spent time with the Detroit Lions, where current Jets staff have ties, so there’s at least some baseline knowledge of what he brings to the table.
With Brady Cook slated to start at quarterback this Sunday, Hooker’s role could quickly become more than just a practice squad insurance policy. If he’s elevated to the active roster as the primary backup, it would mark one of the more unproven quarterback duos the Jets have fielded in recent memory.
Cook is a rookie still finding his footing, and Hooker has barely seen live NFL action. It’s a pairing that underscores just how battered and reshuffled this quarterback room has become after injuries to Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor.
But this isn’t about upside right now-it’s about survival. The Jets are patching holes and trying to stay competitive while navigating a season that’s thrown more than its share of curveballs. Hooker’s signing won’t change the trajectory of the franchise, but in a week where the team is heading into a road matchup with the Saints, it’s a reminder of how quickly depth can become necessity.
If nothing else, Hooker brings a big arm and some experience in multiple systems, which could be useful in a pinch. And for the Jets, who are searching for any kind of stability under center, that might be enough-for now.