Zach Wilson is still having trouble, but the front office is taking the initiative to find a quarterback for the New York Jets. After inviting the veteran in for a visit, the Jets signed Trevor Siemian to their practice squad, the team said on Tuesday.
Before being released on August 1st, Siemian spent training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jake Browning and he were vying for the Bengals’ backup quarterback position.
Robert Saleh, the head coach, announced on Wednesday that Siemian won’t play against the Chiefs on Sunday night.
“He’s obviously got a lot of games under his belt,” Saleh said (via Pro Football Talk). He’s a quick learner, a quick study from my understanding. Just giving the ability to come on the practice squad and help us out was the best decision for us.”
Siemian has started 30 games throughout the course of his eight-year career and six in the past four, but he hasn’t won a game he’s started since 2017. Last year, he appeared in two games and completed 15 of 26 passes for 184 yards (57.7%), a touchdown, and an interception (76.4 rating).
After Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon and was forced to miss the rest of the season, the Jets now had Wilson as their starting quarterback and Tim Boyle as their backup. The only quarterbacks on the roster are Wilson and Boyle.
Wilson’s employment is not in danger as a result of Siemian’s signing. Wilson is their “unquestioned quarterback,” Saleh reaffirmed on Monday.
‘We see on a day in and day out basis is a young man who is much improved from a year ago,” Saleh said. “He’s much more confident, he’s much more accurate, he’s got much more command of the huddle, he looks better in the pocket.
Could have been better yesterday, but he’s improved, and he’s getting better. He’s going through his progressions, and when he is hitting his back foot with his timing and rhythm, he looks fantastic, and you just don’t throw people away man. You just have to continue to work with him.
“He’s here, he gives us our best chance to win, and as coaches, we’re going to do everything we can to help him.”
Wilson serves as the Jets’ starting quarterback for the time being. Siemian may eventually face competition or may only be added as depth at a position that requires a third signal-caller.
