NY Jets sign intriguing developmental QB prospect to UDFA deal
The Jets have a new quarterback!
The NY Jets will have a new-look quarterback room in 2024, and that’s not just because of the return of Aaron Rodgers. The Jets have a new backup QB, Tyrod Taylor, and a young developmental third-stringer in fifth-round pick Jordan Travis.
That’s not all, however. The Jets have reportedly agreed to terms with former West Florida quarterback Byron “Peewee” Jarrett on an undrafted free-agent contract.
Jarrett joins Rodgers, Taylor, and Travis in the Jets’ quarterback room and should provide much-needed depth with the latter still recovering from a broken leg he suffered in November of last year.
While the Jets do expect Travis to return at some point this season, there is no timetable for his recovery. That means Jarrett, if he sticks around, should receive plenty of reps throughout the spring and summer.
Who is new NY Jets quarterback Peewee Jarrett?
A native of Iowa, Jarrett opted to go the JUCO route early in his college career, spending two years at Iowa Central Community College, breaking numerous school records, before transferring to Division-II West Florida in 2022.
Jarrett would finish his two years at West Florida as the first player in program history to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career. Now, he’s on his way to the NFL.
At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Jarrett has excellent size for the quarterback position that he pairs with above-average athleticism. Jarrett thrived as a dual-threat quarterback in college, and while he faces a steep incline in competition level, he has the size and athleticism to survive in the NFL.
The Jets have clearly prioritized a certain archetype of quarterback this offseason. Rodgers, Taylor, Travis, and now Jarrett all excel as creators outside the pocket.
Rodgers and Taylor may not be in their primes anymore, but both players can still create outside of structure and offer some dual-threat ability. Both Travis and Jarrett fit that profile as well.
This is a massive opportunity for Jarrett — an individual who was out of football for two years and playing at a community college just three years ago — to make an impact with the Jets.
With Travis still sidelined with an injury, Jarrett should receive plenty of reps in practice throughout the spring and summer. And if he sticks around through training camp, he’ll likely play a majority of the preseason.
The Jets clearly see something in the former Division II standout. Here’s to hoping he finds a way to carve out a role with the team.
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