Jets reportedly signing QB Trevor Siemian as questions swirl around starter Zach Wilson
The New York Jets are planning to sign quarterback Trevor Siemian to their practice squad pending a physical, according to multiple reports.
Siemian's anticipated signing coincides with persistent questions and criticism surrounding starting quarterback Zach Wilson, who has struggled through the first three weeks of the season after taking over for an injured Aaron Rodgers in Week 1.
Siemian, 31, last played as a backup to Justin Fields with the Chicago Bears in 2022. He made two appearances, including one start with Chicago. A six-year NFL veteran, he's previously played as a starter and a backup with the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints and a previous stint with the Jets in 2019. He started two seasons with the Broncos from 2016-17 and has primarily played as a backup since.
Siemian's arrival takes place a day after head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that Wilson is "our unquestioned quarterback."
"As long as he continues to show his preparation, the way he's been practicing, and even in these games, he's not the reason why we lost [Sunday]," Saleh said at his Monday news conference. "It's always a team effort. As long as he continues to show improvement, I know from a box score standpoint, it's not showing, he's going to be our quarterback."
The Jets fell to 1-2 with a 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. They managed just 171 yards of offense as Wilson completed 50% of his passes for 157 yards while taking three sacks. He didn't throw a touchdown or an interception.
After being selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft and two disappointing seasons as New York's starter, Wilson was relegated to a backup role behind Rodgers, who was expected to lift a Jets roster with a strong defense and skill players on offense into Super Bowl contention. Rodgers' Achilles tear in Week 1 changed those plans and thrust Wilson back into an unexpected starting position.
With Wilson at quarterback, the Jets' offense ranks last in the NFL in both points (14) and yards (225) per game. That output has raised concerns of a wasted season in New York and drawn sharp criticism, including from franchise icon Joe Namath, who called Wilson's performance on Sunday "disgusting" while calling for his, Saleh's and general manager Joe Douglas' jobs.
While Siemian will initially play with the practice squad, it's not clear what his eventual role will be in the Jets' locker room. Fifth-year pro and career backup Tim Boyle is listed second on the depth chart. He's thrown 106 career passes.
Siemian has completed 58.9% of his career passes for 200.8 yards per game and 6.7 yards per attempt with 42 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 35 games, including 30 starts. The Jets next play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night before games against the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.
