The New York Jets signed quarterback Will Levis to their practice squad on Tuesday, 2026, bringing in the former Tennessee Titans second-round pick as backup insurance behind Geno Smith and rookie Cade Klubnik while releasing Bailey Zappe.
The New York Jets are giving Will Levis a second chance in the NFL, adding the 27-year-old quarterback to the practice squad. The team worked out the former Kentucky standout earlier this month after the Titans released him during roster cuts in August. To make room for Levis on the practice squad, the Jets released Bailey Zappe.
Quarterback Depth and the Jets’ Roster Shakeup
Aaron Glenn has established Geno Smith as the clear starter in New York, but the backup hierarchy behind him carried some uncertainty. Rookie Cade Klubnik holds the number-two spot as a fourth-round draft pick, leaving the organization searching for a veteran with starting experience to round out the quarterback room. Levis fits that requirement, having entered the league in 2023 and logged 21 career starts over the past three seasons.
Zappe’s release ends his brief stint on the practice squad. Zappe previously spent time with New England, Cleveland, and Kansas City, appearing in nine career starts before landing with the Jets in the offseason and catching among the final cuts last month.
Up and Down Tenure with the Tennessee Titans
Levis entered the NFL as the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 draft after Tennessee traded up to take him in the second round. His rookie campaign offered immediate flashes of potential, highlighted by a four-touchdown performance in his debut against the Atlanta Falcons that tied an NFL record for most scoring passes in a debut. He started nine games that year, throwing 1,808 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
The trajectory shifted sharply in 2024. Levis struggled with consistency and injuries, missing time due to a sprained AC joint in his right throwing shoulder. In 12 starts that season, he went 2-10 while throwing 13 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, alongside four pick-6s and five lost fumbles. The Titans benched him following a four-turnover game after Week 15.
Following a 2024 campaign that left them with the league’s worst record, Tennessee selected Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the 2025 draft. Levis spent the entire 2025 season on the bench following shoulder surgery, and the AFC South franchise ultimately waived him during roster cuts in August.
Confidence and Expectations in New York
Despite missing all of last year and battling injuries, Levis maintained his self-belief in public comments before his release from Tennessee.
There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me.
Will Levis, via New York Post
He added that he had put enough evidence on film to prove his capability.
“I know I’ve put the tape out there already that I’m a dang good quarterback in this league.”
Will Levis, via New York Post
In New York, Levis faces zero immediate pressure as he settles onto the practice squad behind Smith and Klubnik. Observers note that the Jets hold three first-round selections in the upcoming 2027 draft—their own alongside picks from Indianapolis and Dallas—meaning the franchise could target a quarterback early next year, leaving Levis time to rehabilitate his career out of the spotlight.
Related reading
,autocrop(1200:630))