The New York Jets are staring down a tough Week 15 matchup against the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars, and they may have to do it with a rookie under center. At 3-10, the Jets’ season has already been defined by turbulence at the quarterback position-and that carousel looks like it’s spinning again.
Neither Tyrod Taylor (groin) nor Justin Fields (knee) was spotted at practice on Thursday, leaving head coach Aaron Glenn with limited options just days before kickoff. That opens the door for rookie Brady Cook, who now appears to be in line for his first NFL start.
Brady Cook: From Undrafted to Unexpected Starter
Cook, a 24-year-old rookie out of Missouri, wasn’t selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Jets brought him in as a free agent, intrigued by his college tape and leadership intangibles. He got his first taste of NFL action in Week 14 after Taylor exited with an injury, and it was a trial by fire.
Cook completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards and threw two interceptions-not exactly a dream debut, but also not unexpected for a rookie thrown into the mix midgame. The stat line doesn’t tell the full story. Cook showed flashes of poise in the pocket and a willingness to push the ball downfield, even if the execution wasn’t always there.
Now, with a full week of preparation potentially as the starter, the Jets will be hoping Cook can settle in and show more of the upside that earned him a roster spot in the first place.
Adrian Martinez: The Backup With a Unique Path
Backing up Cook is another undrafted quarterback: Adrian Martinez. The 25-year-old has taken a winding path to this point, going undrafted in 2023 before making a name for himself in the UFL, where he was named league MVP in 2024. That performance helped him land opportunities with both the 49ers and Jets this season.
Martinez has seen the field just once in the NFL regular season, logging a single carry for negative yardage in San Francisco’s Week 9 win over the Giants. While his in-game experience is limited, Martinez brings athleticism and a dual-threat skill set that could be useful if the Jets need a change of pace-or if Cook struggles.
Jets’ QB Depth Chart in Flux
With Fields and Taylor trending toward being unavailable, the Jets’ quarterback depth chart is thin, untested, and full of unknowns. But it’s also an opportunity.
For Cook, it’s a chance to show he belongs in this league. For Martinez, it’s a reminder that every rep matters-especially when you’re one play away from being called into action.
The Jaguars, with their 9-4 record and playoff aspirations, won’t be taking the Jets lightly. But they’ll be facing a New York offense that’s likely led by a rookie who’s still finding his footing. Expect the Jets to lean heavily on the run game, quick throws, and a simplified game plan to help Cook manage the moment.
It’s not the quarterback situation the Jets envisioned back in training camp, but it’s the one they’ve got. And in a season that’s already tested their resilience, Week 15 offers another test-this time with a rookie at the helm and a backup who’s taken the road less traveled.