Jets Add Will Levis to Practice Squad
The New York Jets signed quarterback Will Levis to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. In a corresponding move, the team released fellow quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad. The 27-year-old Levis, a former second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2023, had been a free agent since the Titans waived him before the start of the 2026 season.
Levis' arrival gives the Jets a experienced arm behind starter Geno Smith and rookie backup Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round selection out of Clemson. New York had only two quarterbacks on its 53-man roster prior to the signing, making Levis an emergency option and potential long-term project.
Levis Brings Starting Experience, Injury Questions
Levis started 21 games for the Titans across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, compiling a 5-16 record as a starter. He completed 61% of his passes for 3,899 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, adding two game-winning drives and a pair of fourth-quarter comebacks. However, his tenure in Tennessee was marred by inconsistent decision-making and meme-worthy turnovers.
A shoulder injury suffered during the 2024 campaign required surgery and forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. With the Titans holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, they selected quarterback Cam Ward and committed to him as their franchise signal-caller. Levis opted to prioritize his long-term health, and Tennessee kept veteran Mitchell Trubisky as Ward's backup before releasing Levis in August.
Why the Jets Made the Move
The Jets' backup quarterback situation had been a topic of discussion throughout the preseason. Zappe, a journeyman who has bounced between several teams, posted a forgettable preseason, averaging just 9.6 yards per completion with a 41.0 passer rating, two interceptions, and no touchdowns. His poor performance gave New York little confidence in him as an emergency option.
Levis, meanwhile, had been on the Jets' radar since early September, when he worked out for the team. Although no immediate deal materialized, head coach Aaron Glenn apparently liked what he saw. The signing reflects a low-risk, high-reward gamble: Levis costs nothing more than a practice squad spot, and if he can recapture his arm talent and improve his decision-making, he could develop into a reliable backup or even trade bait.
The Jets are preparing for an important Week 3 showdown with the Detroit Lions, and Levis' arrival provides depth and competition in the quarterback room. For now, he is expected to remain on the practice squad, but his presence gives New York a more proven option than Zappe should Smith or Klubnik suffer an injury.
Levis Eyes a Fresh Start and a Path Back to Starting
Levis has made no secret of his belief that he can still be a starting quarterback in the NFL. During training camp with the Titans, he declared, "There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me. I know that for sure." That confidence, combined with his prototypical size and arm strength, made him an intriguing prospect when he entered the league. But his struggles with turnovers and consistency have kept him from realizing that potential.
In New York, Levis reunites with a coaching staff that has shown a willingness to take chances on reclamation projects. The Jets' new regime, led by head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator, has emphasized competition and development. If Levis can stay healthy and refine his game, he could revitalize his career in a lower-pressure environment.
The Broader Quarterback Carousel
Levis' signing is the latest turn in the NFL's never-ending quarterback carousel. Teams are constantly searching for capable backups, and former high draft picks often get multiple chances to prove themselves. Levis, still only 27, has time to rewrite his narrative. But the clock is ticking, and he'll need to make the most of his opportunity with the Jets.
For Tennessee, the decision to move on from Levis signals a full commitment to Cam Ward and a new era under head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The Titans were willing to eat Levis' salary and move forward, a clear indication that they viewed him as expendable.
For the Jets, the move is a calculated bet on talent. If Levis can regain his form, he could become a valuable asset. If not, the team loses little. Either way, the Will Levis saga has found a new chapter in New York.
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