The New York Jets recently bolstered their quarterback lineup by bringing in Will Levis, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, to their practice squad. This strategic move involved releasing Bailey Zappe to create space for Levis. Levis, a 2023 second-round draft selection, had been let go by the Titans the previous month, leading to his acquisition by the Jets. This development places Levis as a potential third-string option behind current starter Geno Smith and rookie Cade Kubnik, indicating a chance for him to rejoin an active roster in the future.
Levis's journey to the Jets follows a period of uncertainty with the Titans. After being drafted in the second round, 33rd overall, in 2023, he initially served as a third-string quarterback. However, he quickly ascended to a starting role, playing in nine games during his rookie season. The 2024 season proved more difficult, as Levis was sidelined for three games and parts of another due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. The Titans' subsequent decision to draft Cam Ward as the first overall pick in the 2025 draft effectively signaled the end of Levis's tenure with the team. Despite these setbacks, Levis has publicly expressed his conviction that he remains capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL, stating his belief that there aren't 32 quarterbacks in the league superior to him.
His career statistics reflect a challenging start, with a 5-16 record as a starter, 3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Notably, he threw four pick-6s in 2024, a franchise high since the Oilers relocated to Tennessee, and also struggled with fumbles, losing five that season. These statistics highlight the areas where Levis will need to demonstrate significant improvement and consistency to secure a long-term role in the league. His time on the Jets' practice squad will offer an opportunity to refine his skills and adapt to a new system, under less immediate pressure.
Conversely, Bailey Zappe, who was released to accommodate Levis, has also had a journeyman career. After spending the previous season with Cleveland, Zappe signed with the Jets during the offseason before being cut and then re-signed to their practice squad. He has nine NFL starts under his belt, playing for both the Browns and the New England Patriots, who originally drafted him in 2022. Zappe has also had two separate stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, further illustrating the competitive and transient nature of quarterback positions in the NFL.
The Jets' decision to bring in Levis reflects a continuous effort to evaluate and enhance their quarterback depth. While he begins on the practice squad, his previous draft position and expressed confidence suggest that he views this as a stepping stone rather than a conclusion. For Levis, this is a critical opportunity to demonstrate his potential and prove his value to a new organization, potentially paving the way for a return to a more prominent role in the future.
