The New York Jets have added a new arm to the bullpen.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz shared on social media that the Jets are signing quarterback Hendon Hooker to the practice squad. Schultz revealed that Hooker worked out for the Jets on Thursday, December 18.
This reunites Hooker with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. They crossed over for two seasons on the Detroit Lions from 2023 through 2024.
The Jets Kick the Tires on a Talented Quarterback Prospect
Hooker, 27, entered the league as the No. 68 overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
He spent the first two and a half years of his career with the Lions, but he was dumped ahead of final roster cuts in August.
Most recently, Hooker has been with the Carolina Panthers. He joined the Panthers’ practice squad in late August after being cut by the Lions and was with them until getting released on November 4.
Hooker has only appeared in three NFL games during his brief career to date. In those limited opportunities, Hooker has completed 6-of-9 passes for 62 passing yards. He has not thrown a touchdown pass nor an interception at the NFL level.
Hooker Has an Impressive College Resume
While his NFL stats won’t wow you, Hooker’s collegiate accomplishments certainly will.
He spent five years at the college level between Virginia Tech and Tennessee. Hooker appeared in 49 games. With those opportunities, Hooker completed 68.8% of his passes, threw for 8,974 passing yards, and owned a 80 touchdown to 12 interception ratio.
Hooker also proved to be an adept runner in college. He totaled 517 carries for 2,079 rushing yards. Hooker averaged four yards per carry and scored 25 times on the ground.
This Gives the Jets Another Developmental Arm
The Jets are carrying three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster: Brady Cook, Justin Fields, and Tyrod Taylor.
Cook spent the majority of the year on the practice squad, but he was recently signed to the active roster. The former undrafted free agent is set to make his second straight start in Week 16 on the road against the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Aaron Glenn said whoever is healthier between Fields and Taylor will serve as the QB2 on Sunday behind Cook.
Taylor has been dealing with a groin issue, and Fields has dealt with general knee soreness.
Neither Taylor nor Fields appears to have a long-term future with the Jets. So it’s smart for the team to be proactive with its roster and player evaluation. Cook has a shot to carve out a role as a long-term QB2 or QB3 based on how he performs across the final three games of the Jets’ regular season.
Hooker showed enough in his workout on Thursday morning to intrigue the coaching staff enough to sign him. If he continues to impress, Hooker could earn a spot on the Jets’ 90-man roster during the 2026 offseason. From there, you never know what could happen.
Coach Glenn has an intimate knowledge of Hooker based on their experience together with the Lions. Perhaps the Jets could find another diamond in the rough.
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