Jets must avoid falling for recently released viral QB despite fan pressure

The New York Jets finalized their roster cuts on Tuesday and, unsurprisingly, chose to carry just two quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. With Tyrod Taylor on track to be healthy for Week 1, the team didn’t feel the need to keep Brady Cook or Adrian Martinez on the active roster.

Cook is a safe bet to return to the team's practice squad if he passes through waivers unclaimed, and the same could possibly be said for Martinez as well. The Jets' quarterback room behind starter Justin Fields seems pretty much set entering the 2025 season.

That hasn’t stopped fans from clamoring for the Jets to claim the recently released Tommy DeVito, however. The fan-favorite New York Giants quarterback was waived by the team on Tuesday and could garner interest from other NFL teams.

Some Jets fans have been pushing for the team to bring in DeVito on social media, with ESPN's Rich Cimini even insisting the former Syracuse recruit would be "a good add" to the practice squad.

The reality of the situation, however, is that DeVito would not be an upgrade over any of the Jets' alternative options.

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Tommy DeVito would be a terrible QB target for the Jets

Despite his viral popularity, DeVito has been statistically one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL over the last two seasons. His adjusted EPA per play sits at –0.163, which ranks him 46th out of 47 quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks since 2023. The only passer ranked lower is, you guessed it, Zach Wilson.

Even in the wins that made him a viral Giants sensation, DeVito wasn’t exactly carrying his team's offense. He finished his eight career starts with a 3–5 record, but those victories were mostly powered by defensive turnovers and special teams rather than his own abilities.

DeVito's offenses averaged fewer than 200 passing yards and under 16 points per game in his eight starts. His "Linsanity" run was largely a result of stellar defense and some Brian Daboll magic.

At 27 years old, there’s also little reason to believe DeVito has meaningful upside left to unlock. He doesn’t bring elite athletic traits, his arm talent is lackluster, and his average career depth of target is just 6.5 yards.

That check-down style doesn't fit the Jets’ offense and offers no developmental value compared to younger practice squad options like Brady Cook or Adrian Martinez, who at least have the allure of upside.

DeVito is a 27-year-old fringe practice squad QB with next-to-no NFL-caliber traits. He lacks the physical tools or developmental upside to even warrant a practice squad spot, and his brief viral run doesn’t change that reality.

If Tommy DeVito’s name were “Tom Davis” and his agent didn’t look like he walked straight off the set of Goodfellas, no one would blink at his release. There’s simply no reason for the Jets to waste a roster or practice squad spot on him.

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