Jets' New Quarterback Addresses Role after First Practice

Acclimation period underway for former NFL starter

Trevor Siemian is in the building. 

One day after signing a Practice Squad deal with the New York Jets, the veteran quarterback was on the practice field in Florham Park. 

"Just giving him the ability to come on to the practice squad and help us out was the best decision for us," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh.

Wearing jersey No. 14 on Wednesday, the 31-year-old Siemian became the third healthy quarterback at One Jets Drive behind starter Zach Wilson and backup Tim Boyle.

"Really just trying to be the best teammate I can for Zach, for Tim, all these guys, really," said Siemian after his first practice as a Jet. 

Despite having 30 career NFL starts under his belt, Siemian isn't expecting to assume the QB1 role at the moment.

"I didn't have a lot of expectations [of having the chance to play]. No promises were given or anything like that," said Siemian, who entered the league as a seventh-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2015. "These guys had two quarterbacks. They needed a third quarterback. I had some good conversations and here I am."

While the Jets prepare to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football this week, Siemian will be in the process of learning the playbook. The one-time 3,000-yard passer didn't specify how long it will take to get up to speed with his new team.

"As a backup quarterback in this league that's kind of your challenge, is how fast you can pick things up," said Siemian. "I'm anxious to get started, get the verbiage, get to know my teammates a little, so definitely not overnight."

Siemian spent the summer competing for the Cincinnati Bengals' backup job and was released on August 29.

Saleh announced that the third quarterback will be inactive in Week 4, but did not provide a timeline beyond this Sunday. 

"We’ll see. Every case is different, so it’s case by case," said Saleh.

Interestingly enough, it's Siemian's second stint with the Jets' organization. Although the coaching staff was different at the time, 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.

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