A former New York Jets quarterback is getting his shot.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed on Thursday, October 2, that the San Francisco 49ers have signed quarterback Adrian Martinez to the team’s 53-man roster.
“He will serve as the backup,” Rapoport added.
Brock Purdy was ruled out on Wednesday, October 1, opening the door for Mac Jones to return to the starting lineup.
Martinez Could Have an Extended Run With the 49ers
Purdy played in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. During the game, he suffered shoulder and toe injuries that forced him to miss Weeks 2 and 3 of the season. Purdy returned to the lineup in Week 4 and re-aggravated it, according to NFL Insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
“Brock Purdy’s timetable for return’s uncertain. Aggravated it in-game, kept playing thru Sunday, [the] severity of the turf toe is similar to Week 1—so this being a short week (vs. playing Sunday) didn’t make a difference. He’s week-to-week, and it’s Mac’s show for now,” Breer explained.
With Jones running the controls as QB1, Martinez is set to remain in his QB2 role. People say the best gig in the NFL is being the backup quarterback, the clipboard holder — or, more accurately, the tablet holder.
Martinez makes more money being on the active roster and is now one play away from entering the game as the QB1 for San Francisco.
Martinez Clearly Made the Right Decision for Himself
The Jets‘ top two spots on the quarterback depth chart were locked in since free agency. Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor were always going to be the top guys. The real debate point was whether the Jets would carry a third quarterback on the 53-man roster. Spoiler alert, they didn’t.
So the offseason battle between undrafted free agent Brady Cook and Martinez was for the QB3 role via the practice squad.
It appears that Cook won that battle over Martinez. The former Missouri product returned to the team on the practice squad after clearing waivers.
Martinez had a chance to return to the Jets‘ practice squad, but he decided on a fresh start instead. Smart decision.
He is now on an NFL team’s 53-man roster this season for the first time. That wouldn’t have happened with the Jets. Martinez bet on himself, and it paid off in a major way.
The 49ers have a winning record, a renowned offensive coaching staff with a history of success, and Martinez continues to be wanted/appreciated by his new team.
Jets Bet on Justin Fields Has Had a Positive Result
Pro Football Focus NFL analyst Trevor Sikkema told me that he thought the Jets‘ signing Fields this offseason was a good decision.
When you look at the numbers, Fields has been more good than bad.
He has started three games so far this season for the Jets. He has completed 65% of his passes, has thrown for 471 passing yards, and hasn’t thrown an interception.
Fields has been dynamic on the ground.
The former Ohio State product has racked up 178 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and he has averaged 7.4 yards per rush.
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