Jets Add Veteran Quarterback Option as Beleaguered Wilson Struggles

Former Broncos' starter inks Practice Squad deal, could challenge for prominent role

The New York Jets aren't standing pat when it comes to the quarterback position after all.

In the aftermath of a second straight disappointing offensive performance, the team is adding a veteran signal caller to the QB room. Trevor Siemian has signed a contract to join the Jets' Practice Squad. 

The move was initially reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Tuesday afternoon. The Jets made it official after the field general landed in New Jersey and subsequently passed a physical.

To open up a spot for Siemian, Gang Green released reserve cornerback Craig James from the 16-member Practice Squad.

The 31-year-old Siemian becomes the third healthy signal caller in Florham Park. After Aaron Rodgers went on the shelf, starter Zach Wilson and backup Tim Boyle were the only arms available. 

Initially entering the league as a seventh-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2015, Siemian spent the 2023 preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals. After losing the backup quarterback competition, he was released on August 29. Auditioning to be Joe Burrow's understudy, Siemian went 36-of-65 passing for 316 yards and two interceptions over three preseason games.

Siemian has 30 career NFL starts under his belt and actually boasts a 3,000-yard passing season. In 14 starts for the 2016 Broncos, the Northwestern product threw for 3,401 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

He has made regular season appearances for four different NFL teams, including the Jets. Siemian was brought in to back up Sam Darnold in 2019. After a case of mono sidelined Darnold, Siemian started a Monday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns but did not finish it due to a season-ending ankle injury. He has three pass yards in a Jets' uniform.

After an acclimation period, Siemian may have the opportunity to earn starting reps should Wilson continue to slump. 

The Green & White offense has scored only three touchdowns in three games under Wilson's direction. The former No. 2 overall draft choice ranks last amongst qualifying NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage (52.4) and passer rating (57.0).

Meanwhile, Siemian has accumulated 7,207 pass yards while accounting for a 58.9 completion percentage over 35 career appearances. He owns a 42:28 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

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