Brady Cook, an undrafted quarterback from Missouri, is making noticeable waves at New York Jets training camp as he bids to earn a roster spot behind a familiar signal-caller mix. With Justin Fields heading the offense in the post-draft era and Tyrod Taylor serving as the veteran backup, Cook’s early in-camp emergence has NFL observers watching closely.
The Jets chose not to draft a quarterback this spring and instead added Cook, a three-year starter who helped Missouri reach key moments during his redshirt sophomore season onward. He finished his Missouri career with more than 9,000 passing yards, a 65.5 percent completion rate, 49 touchdowns to 15 interceptions, and a prolific rushing total that included over 1,200 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Cook’s leadership and toughness were on display when Missouri beat Ohio State in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, a game many Jets staffers cited as a factor in their confidence in his playmaking ability.
On the field in camp, Cook has shown that he can handle NFL-level pressure. After Tyrod Taylor sustained a knee injury during preseason action, Cook entered in place of Fields and delivered a composed first-half performance: 6-of-8 passing for 62 yards, with one sack for a five-yard loss. He did so while working largely with the third unit, underscoring his ability to operate in less-than-ideal circumstances and make quick decisions against NFL competition. His performance has taken place in the broader context of a Jets offense that prioritizes the ground game, with coach Aaron Glenn expecting quarterback depth to be a critical asset if injuries mount.
The quarterback room behind Fields also includes Tyrod Taylor, who is entering his 15th season and has started 58 games in his career. While Taylor remains the more proven option, a knee issue that cut his preseason time could push the Jets to consider a developmental path behind Fields—a path where Cook could fit if his growth continues at this pace. If Cook can demonstrate continued command of the offense, quick processing, and pocket composure, the Jets could find value in keeping a young, adaptable backup who already knows the system.
A notable factor in Cook’s positive early evaluators’ notes is the protection he’s received at the right tackle spot, particularly from Armand Membou, a Missouri teammate and his current linemate in New York. Coaches have praised the chemistry and anticipation between Cook and his blockers, an alignment that appears to unlock his ability to extend plays and keep plays alive even when the defense brings pressure.
Can Cook become a legitimate developmental option for the Jets? If he makes the 53-man roster, it would mark a significant milestone and could be financially prudent for the club as it navigates a veteran-heavy quarterback room. With Fields as the likely starter, the Jets would benefit from a low-cost, familiar backup who can step in if needed and keep the offense moving. The Brock Purdy example from San Francisco—an undrafted quarterback who thrived with the right opportunity—offers a hopeful parallel for Cook, though parallels are never guarantees in the NFL.
What to watch next as camp continues:
– How Cook handles a larger sample of reps with the first- and second-team offenses.
– Whether he can sustain accuracy under pressure and translate his Missouri success to NFL concepts.
– Taylor’s health trajectory and how the coaching staff manages the depth chart if Fields experiences any setbacks.
– Continued chemistry development with Membou and the protection unit to reinforce Cook’s pocket presence.
Overall, Cook’s early camp display provides a meaningful storyline for Jets fans: an undrafted quarterback from Missouri proving he can compete at the highest level, with the potential to emerge as a developmental option in a quarterback room that could use depth and versatility.
Summary note: Brady Cook’s rise at Jets training camp offers a hopeful narrative for teams that value development and late-round potential. If he continues to grow and adapts to the NFL speed and terminology, Cook could become a compelling addition to the Jets’ quarterback depth chart.