Forget Bailey Zappe, the Jets need to take a chance on this former Patriots QB

The New York Jets made the decision to carry only two quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster: Geno Smith and Cade Klubnik, cutting ties with Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook. The Jets are sure to add a third quarterback to their practice squad at some point, but it remains to be seen who that will be.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on Monday that New York was planning to bring back Zappe to the practice squad, and it wasn't until Tuesday that the Jets officially announced it themselves, giving the team a 17th member of the practice squad.

Fans are likely not excited at the prospect of bringing Zappe back into the fold. He wasn't exactly impressive in multiple preseason appearances and was even the Jets' first release when beginning to narrow down their final 53-man roster.

Luckily, there are several other intriguing options available on the market, particularly after 53-man roster cuts, and an old AFC East draft pick may be just what the Jets need in terms of a developmental plan on the practice squad.

Joe Milton could be ideal quarterback target for the New York Jets

After naming Sam Howell the backup behind Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys sent former New England Patriots draft pick Joe Milton to waivers, and the Jets should absolutely keep tabs on the 26-year-old signal-caller.

Cade Klubnik has been named the backup quarterback, and Zappe now sits comfortably on the practice squad, but should he? The journeyman veteran was pretty bad in the preseason, tossing two interceptions and throwing for 135 yards in three different appearances.

Milton, despite not having as much regular-season experience as Zappe does, at least has some physical upside to him. He has one of the strongest arms in the league and has tantalized fans with his talent in limited action.

Everyone remembers the former Tennessee standout's Week 18 performance from the 2024 season, when he lit up the Buffalo Bills' backups en route to a 23-16 victory, ripping the No. 1 overall pick out of the hands of Patriots fans. Milton completed 22-of-29 pass attempts for 241 yards and scored a touchdown through the air and on the ground.

He's not a perfect prospect, and he isn't the experienced option that the Jets could certainly use in between Geno Smith and Cade Klubnik, but his upside is intriguing enough that New York should consider putting a claim in for the young gunslinger.

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