Breaking: Jets hand the huddle to undrafted rookie Brady Cook
I can confirm the New York Jets are starting Brady Cook at quarterback on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Aaron Glenn made the decision today, Friday, December 12, 2025. Tyrod Taylor is out with a groin injury. Justin Fields is unavailable with a knee issue. Cook has taken every first team snap in practice this week and now gets the nod.
This is Cook’s first NFL start. It comes fast. It comes with stakes. And it gives the Jets one more look at a young passer in a season that has been a constant test at the position.
Why Cook, why now
The choice is simple, and urgent. The Jets need a healthy arm who knows the plan for Sunday. Cook has been in the building all year, and his week of work with starters matters. He pushed the ball on time in practice. He operated the huddle with confidence. He earned the start with preparation.
The bigger story is what it says about the franchise. Cook will be the Jets tenth different starting quarterback since 2022. That is not normal. That is not stable. It is also the opportunity any undrafted rookie dreams about.
Cook becomes the Jets tenth different starting quarterback since 2022, a marker of how unsettled the position has been.
Scouting the rookie
Cook was a three time team captain at Missouri. That means trust. It means he won over coaches and teammates with steady work and clear voice. On the field, he plays with calm feet and sharp eyes. He throws best in the short and middle areas. He can move, extend a play, and avoid the free rusher. He is tough, and he finishes runs.
College tape shows a quarterback who wins with rhythm and timing. He is not a pure power arm. He wins with decisions and accuracy. On Sunday, he must carry that identity to the NFL speed.
- Be decisive, take what is there, and avoid late throws.
- Keep clean mechanics in the pocket, reset feet, and deliver on time.
- Build quick trust with receivers on slants, outs, and crossers.
- Protect the ball, accept punts, and live for the next drive.
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What Sunday means for the Jets
This is more than a patch. It is an audition. The Jets need clarity for 2026, both at starter and in the room behind him. If Cook shows poise and command, he can change his place on the depth chart. He can force his way into the conversation as a trusted number two, or even a long term project with upside.
If he struggles, the reps still matter. Live snaps teach. The staff will learn how he sees pressure, how he handles checks, and how he leads when the game gets tight. That information will shape offseason moves.
Expect a plan built on short throws, moving pockets, play action, and quick answers against pressure. Simpler reads, faster decisions.
The matchup and the plan
Jacksonville will test a rookie with heat. Expect early pressure looks, late movement in the secondary, and a mix of man and zone. The Jets can help their quarterback by running the ball with purpose and leaning on early downs. They need to stay out of third and long. They also need to use tempo at times, not to hurry, but to simplify the picture.
Look for tight ends and backs as safety valves. Look for layered crossers to give Cook easy windows. One or two deep shots can keep the defense honest, but the game must live under control. Field position, special teams, and turnovers will decide the day more than raw yardage.
The tone is simple. Keep the chains moving. Make the red zone count. Keep mistakes small.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Brady Cook?
A: He is an undrafted rookie quarterback from Missouri, where he was a three time captain and team leader.
Q: Why is he starting for the Jets?
A: Tyrod Taylor is out with a groin injury, and Justin Fields is unavailable with a knee issue. Cook took first team reps all week and was named the starter.
Q: What should fans watch for in his debut?
A: Watch his timing, ball security, and how he handles pressure. Also watch his chemistry with the receivers on quick routes.
Q: How could this affect the Jets 2026 plans?
A: A poised performance can elevate Cook into a long term backup or developmental role. It could also influence draft and free agency choices.
Q: What does success look like for Cook on Sunday?
A: Fewer mistakes than plays made. Clean operation, smart decisions, and drives that end with points, even if they are field goals.
Conclusion
Brady Cook’s shot is here, and it is real. An undrafted rookie now leads an NFL huddle with a playoff caliber defense backing him. The assignment is tough, but clear. Play on time. Protect the ball. Lead. If he does, he can change both his career arc and the Jets plan for 2026 in one December start. Sunday will tell us how ready he is.
