Geno Smith is set at starting quarterback for the New York Jets. But the team is apparently having some second thoughts on the second-string, so a phone call has been made to Will Levis, ex-Tennessee Titan.
Cade Klubnik has been named as the No. 2 quarterback for the Jets. But he’s never thrown an NFL pass, and despite impressing in the preseason, a team that has suffered major losses at quarterback (Aaron Rodgers most prominently) over the years seems like it doesn’t want to fully invest.
Thus, ex-Tennessee Titan Will Levis and UFL MVP Jack Plummer of the Orlando Storm have been in for a look–see.
If either were signed, they would likely join QB Bailey Zappe on the practice squad, at least at first. Zappe, who started eight games for the Patriots over two seasons, lost out on the No. 2 slot during training camp. But he stuck around in hopes of being elevated at some point. Whether he’d still be around if one of the newcomers signs is another matter.
Klubnik is very poised and commanding, traits which won him general respect in the locker room. But the former Clemson leader is a rookie. The Jets have seen a few novice signal-callers over the years, and generally, the season would start to unravel when the backups were called upon for more than a cameo. While experience isn’t everything, it at least brings the promise of pattern recognition.
Levis at least offers experience. A second-round pick in 2023 by the Titans, he was the starter in 21 games over 2023 and 2024. His best game for the team was his first, when he completed 19 of 29 passing for 238 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a 130.5 passer rating.
It was all downhill from there. Across 21 starts, Levis never progressed, and reports indicate that ball security and slow processing were his downfall. Overall, he had 21 touchdowns against 16 interceptions while losing 10 fumbles for Tennessee.
He did not play last season, as the Titans turned to the top of the draft for Cam Ward in hopes of finding a franchise quarterback.
Plummer rebuilt his resume in the UFL. He previously had a stint on the Carolina Panthers practice squad, but never saw action in a regular season game. He was a force in the UFL, throwing 17 touchdowns to just one interception for the Orlando Storm, becoming the MVP of the offshoot league.
The Jets open the season on Sept. 13 against the Tennessee Titans. If Levis is on board, he could provide some valuable insight into what the Titans run on offense.
