Exciting news for Jets fans! According to ESPN’s trusted reporter Adam Schefter, the team is finally making a much-anticipated addition to their quarterback room. Trevor Siemian is reportedly on the verge of signing with the team, pending a physical examination. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero further adds that this will initially be a practice squad arrangement, providing the Jets with even more depth and talent at this crucial position.
Siemian is set to make a highly anticipated comeback to New York, reuniting with the Jets after his productive 2019 season with the team. This exciting return will provide the squad with three strong and healthy quarterbacks, adding valuable depth to their roster, alongside Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle. Head coach Robert Saleh has consistently shown his confidence in the former player as New York’s starter. However, with this new agreement, the team will also be bolstered by the addition of experienced depth. According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Siemian paid a visit to the Jets on Tuesday morning.
Despite not winning a start since 2017, the 31-year-old quarterback’s career has taken him on a journey through various teams. Most recently, he had stints with the Saints and Bears before securing a deal with the Bengals this offseason. Although his record may not reflect it, Siemian’s experience and determination make him an asset to any team. Despite his initial release from the team, he remained in free agency for a significant period into the season. The Cincinnati team even contemplated re-signing Siemian as a potential option while they were uncertain about Joe Burrow’s availability. This speaks to Siemian’s value and the trust that teams have in his abilities as a player.
Bringing in Siemian as a backup for Darnold in 2019 was an astute move by the Jets. It provided them with a reliable option to support Darnold, who was entering his critical second season. In an unfortunate turn of events, Sam Darnold’s mononucleosis diagnosis forced Trevor Siemian to step in and start for the Jets’ Week 2 game against the Browns. However, his time on the field was short-lived as he suffered a season-ending ankle injury after only six pass attempts. Despite this setback, Siemian moved on in 2020, ready for new opportunities and challenges ahead. Since his time with the Denver Broncos, the accomplished quarterback, who was once seen as Peyton Manning’s heir apparent, has gone on to join four other NFL teams – the Titans, Saints, Bears, and Bengals. While he may have taken a backup or third-string role in these teams, his experience and expertise continue to make him a valuable asset on their rosters.
This transaction is unlikely to satisfy Jets fans who have been calling for Wilson to be benched. Despite Coach Saleh’s unwavering belief in the young quarterback’s abilities, it seems that the team has not made any efforts to bring in a more experienced and capable passer as a potential starter. In the wake of Aaron Rodgers’ unfortunate Achilles tear, the team explored options like Colt McCoy and even considered the possibility of Chad Henne coming out of retirement. However, heading into Weeks 2 and 3, they relied solely on Wilson and Boyle as their quarterback options on the depth chart. Siemian has now taken on the role of the team’s de facto third-string quarterback, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility for him to surpass Boyle and become Wilson’s backup. However, it must be noted that being unable to secure the QB2 position over Jake Browning in Cincinnati doesn’t necessarily suggest that this scenario will unfold.
Although Wilson’s performance in the first three games may not have been stellar, it’s important to consider a larger context. Quarterback rankings are just one aspect of evaluating a player’s contribution to the team. Wilson has shown potential in previous seasons and his completion percentage and yards per attempt can be improved over time with experience and adjustments. It’s too early to make definitive judgments about his abilities as a quarterback. Despite the decline in his recent performance, it is worth noting that the latter number is lower than his averages in ’21 and ’22. It is surprising that the Jets have not made a stronger effort to acquire an experienced player who could potentially replace their struggling starter. However, they have taken a step towards bolstering their lineup by adding Siemian to their depth chart.
