A New Chapter in the Big Apple: Will Levis Joins Jets Practice Squad

Well, it looks like a new chapter is officially opening for quarterback Will Levis. After what's been, let's just say, a pretty bumpy road in Nashville, reports are swirling that he's headed to Florham Park, set to ink a deal with the New York Jets' practice squad. And with that, it seems the Jets will be parting ways with Bailey Zappe, making room for Levis on the developmental roster.

For those who've followed his career, Levis was quite the intriguing prospect, a second-round selection – number 33 overall – by the Tennessee Titans in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. He certainly burst onto the scene in his rookie year, remember that incredible debut? Four touchdown passes in a thrilling victory over Atlanta, hinting at the big arm and raw potential that had everyone talking.

But football, as we all know, can be a cruel game. That initial spark was unfortunately dimmed by an ankle injury later in his rookie campaign. Then, the 2024 season presented its own set of challenges; Levis tossed 13 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions, with the Titans managing just a 2–10 record in games he started. The real heartbreaker, though, came later that year: a nasty right shoulder injury suffered against Miami. It required offseason surgery and, devastatingly, kept him sidelined for the entire 2025 season. It was a tough blow, effectively paving the way for the Titans to draft Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick that year, signaling a clear shift in their plans.

Now, at 27 years old, Levis finds himself in a different uniform, and perhaps, a golden opportunity. The real draw here for Levis, beyond simply having a new home, has to be the coaching staff awaiting him in New York. We're talking about some serious quarterback gurus. Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich, for example, has an incredible track record, having worked with legends like Peyton Manning (who snagged an MVP and a Super Bowl under his tutelage!), Philip Rivers during successful stints in San Diego and Indianapolis, and even Andrew Luck, who once threw a staggering 39 touchdown passes in a single season. And let's not forget Quarterback Coach Bill Musgrave, who helped Matt Ryan navigate his early days when drafted by the Falcons and was Derek Carr's offensive coordinator during Carr's back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2015 and 2016. That's a lot of proven mentorship.

While the Jets already have Geno Smith firmly entrenched as their starting quarterback, and rookie Cade Klubnik also on the roster, Levis's path onto the practice squad isn't about immediate glory. It's about getting back to basics, learning, and rebuilding confidence under the guidance of some of the best in the business. This move feels less like a desperate scramble and more like a strategic play for Levis, a chance to refine his game and rediscover the promise that made him a high draft pick just a few short years ago. Who knows what a fresh start and world-class coaching can do?