Jets make feelings on Will Levis crystal clear after lukewarm interest

The New York Jets must be very confident in Cade Klubnik as the team's backup quarterback, as they had the opportunity to add former Tennessee Titans second-round pick Will Levis, yet refused to do so.

The Jets added a few players via waivers, including a pair of backup linebackers, in Trevin Wallace and Troy Reeder, and a possible new Week 1 kicker in former Saints and Colts player Blake Grupe. They passed on Levis (and any other quarterback, for that matter), and the former second-round pick is expected to hit the open market as a free agent.

Interestingly, the Jets had the No. 2 spot in the waiver order, meaning they could claim any player the Las Vegas Raiders did not want. The Raiders clearly had no interest in Levis, meaning the Jets had no competition for Levis. Rather than bring him in, the Jets decided to let him hit the open market.

New York Jets pass on adding former Titans quarterback Will Levis on waivers

Levis has gone just 5-16 as a starter in the NFL, throwing 21 touchdowns against 16 interceptions. While not eye-popping numbers by any stretch, Levis has shown off a rocket arm and the propensity to make plays out of structure while being surrounded by chaos on the offensive line and from the sideline.

Levis would likely have started the season as the third quarterback behind Klubnik, but he would have given the Jets a bit more security. They could possibly start Klubnik on their own terms if something were to happen to Geno Smith, whereas now they would be forced to lean exclusively on their fourth-round rookie.

Klubnik has shown enough to get fans excited about what he can be in the pros, but he has not been dominant enough for fans to look to him as a locked-in part of the future. If nothing else, Levis might be a better short-term option with some upside due to the physical gifts he possesses.

Will Levis could have boosted the New York Jets' QB depth chart

The Jets' quarterback room on the active roster consists of just Klubnik and Smith at the moment. Bailey Zappe didn't make the final roster, but was signed to the practice squad. 2025 QB3 Brady Cook was surprisingly claimed by the rival Miami Dolphins.

Levis is not going to be "the guy" who gets the Jets turned around, but in an age where quarterbacks can often be beaten down by poor surroundings and thrive when given a fresh start, someone with Levis' abilities seems ideal for anyone who is interested in playing the resurrection game. The Jets, seemingly, do not want to sign up for a ride on this roller coaster.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow