As the NFL season churns into late September, the New York Jets are quietly making a move that could pay dividends down the road. According to multiple reports, the Jets are signing quarterback Will Levis to their practice squad, a development first highlighted by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk on September 22, 2026. Levis, a former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2023, has been out of the league since being cut by Tennessee in August. His journey back to an NFL roster begins in New York, where he’ll look to resurrect a career that once showed promise.
A Tumultuous Start in Tennessee
Levis burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023, starting nine games for the Titans and flashing the strong arm and athleticism that made him a coveted draft prospect. He won the starting job outright in 2024, but the season quickly turned sour. Levis went 2-10 as a starter, struggled with consistency, and missed time with a shoulder injury before being benched for the final two games. His final numbers in Tennessee—3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and a 61 percent completion rate across 21 starts—tell the story of a quarterback with talent but also turnover woes. The Titans moved on in 2025, drafting Cam Ward first overall, and Levis missed the entire season after undergoing shoulder surgery. It was a fall from grace for a player once considered the future in Nashville.
Why the Jets Made the Move
For the Jets, this is a classic low-risk, high-reward signing. Geno Smith, the veteran journeyman, is entrenched as the starter, and rookie Cade Klubnik—a promising talent from Clemson—is the backup. Bailey Zappe currently occupies a practice squad spot, but Levis brings a different pedigree. At 27, he’s still young enough to develop, and his arm talent is undeniable. The Jets worked him out earlier this month, and according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the coaching staff came away impressed with his physical condition and hunger to prove himself. In a league where quarterback depth is paramount, adding a former starter with 21 games of experience is a savvy move. Levis won’t be thrust into action immediately, but he provides insurance and competition behind Smith and Klubnik.
“Will Levis has the tools to be a starter in this league. Sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start can unlock that potential. The Jets are betting on talent and upside.” — Vulius NFL Analyst
The Road Ahead
Levis’s path to playing time in New York is murky. Smith is a steady hand, and Klubnik is the future. But injuries happen, and Levis knows that opportunity can come knocking at any moment. His shoulder must hold up, and he’ll need to prove he can cut down on the interceptions that plagued his time in Tennessee. The practice squad is a proving ground—a chance to rebuild his mechanics, learn the system, and remind the league why he was a second-round pick. For a Jets team with playoff aspirations, having a quarterback with starting experience on the scout team is a luxury. As Vulius Sports has noted, the best organizations are always churning the bottom of the roster for value. This is exactly that.
What It Means for the Jets’ QB Room
With Levis on board, the Jets now have four quarterbacks in the building: Smith, Klubnik, Zappe, and Levis. That’s a crowded room, but it’s also a competitive one. Zappe’s spot could be in jeopardy, though he’s familiar with the system. Levis, meanwhile, offers more upside. Head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett have emphasized the importance of developing young passers, and Levis fits that mold. If he impresses in practice, he could earn a promotion to the active roster—especially if Smith struggles or goes down. The Jets are not committing to Levis long-term, but they’re giving him a chance. In the brutal business of the NFL, that’s all a player can ask for.
For Levis, this is a fresh start. For the Jets, it’s a calculated gamble. And for fans, it’s a storyline worth monitoring as the season unfolds. Stay tuned to Vulius for all the latest NFL developments.
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