Brady Cook: A Rising QB in the Jets’ Pipeline
Brady Cook entered the NFL spotlight in 2025 after signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent following his college career at Missouri Tigers. At Missouri, Cook amassed impressive numbers — piling up over 9,000 passing yards and nearly 50 touchdowns over five seasons.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Cook offers a blend of size, mobility, and arm strength that the Jets deemed worth developing. His college track record of productivity and leadership earned him a spot on New York’s offseason roster despite going undrafted.
Preseason Performance: Promising Flashes
During the 2025 preseason, Cook saw action in all three games — a chance to showcase his readiness under live NFL conditions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his preseason line:
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Overall: 25 of 38 passes, 235 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception. Completion rate: ~65.8%.
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Week 1 (vs. Packers): 6/8 for 62 yards — efficient in limited reps.
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Week 2 (vs. Giants): 6/11, 74 yards, 1 TD — his first NFL touchdown pass.
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Week 3 (vs. Eagles): 13/19 for 99 yards, 1 INT — some inconsistency, but handled multiple drives.
Analysts and Jets fans noted Cook’s ball-placement, composure in the pocket, and flashes of upside. Many believed he out-performed other backup candidates throughout camp and preseason.
However — and importantly — the performance was not enough to lock him an unquestioned spot as QB3 on the final 53-man roster: the competition remained tight, especially with more experienced backup options.
Transition to Regular Season: Debut Amid Adversity
Cook’s first chance at regular-season action came not by design, but by injury. Starting QB Tyrod Taylor exited the game with a groin injury — prompting Cook’s NFL debut late in the first quarter.
In that game against the Miami Dolphins, Cook completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards, threw two interceptions, and was sacked six times. The Jets struggled overall, with the offense failing to score a touchdown through the air.
It was a baptism by fire — but Cook later called the experience “a great challenge,” acknowledging the steep learning curve while expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the chance to lead under pressure.
Injury News & Roster Status
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Cook was elevated to the active roster on September 20, 2025, when the Jets promoted him from the practice squad due to injuries at quarterback (including starter Justin Fields being in concussion protocol).
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Despite flashes of promise in the preseason, as of late August 2025, Cook was waived by the Jets as teams trimmed down to the required 53-man roster.
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However, given his upside and prior performance, many analysts speculated he would stick around — likely via the practice squad — especially as insurance behind Taylor and Fields.
Thus, while Cook avoided a major injury himself, his roster status remains uncertain — a reflection of how precarious life can be as a fringe NFL quarterback.
Outlook: What’s Next for Brady Cook
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The 2025 preseason demonstrated Cook’s raw tools — accuracy, pocket presence, and decision-making — were sufficient to compete among backup QBs.
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His regular-season debut, though rough, showed he can be trusted to step into a chaotic situation. That durability and willingness to take on pressure may serve him well going forward.
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Still, to earn a more secure spot on the 53-man roster (or even compete for a backup role), Cook likely needs consistency, improved decision-making, and perhaps better protection from the offensive line.
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With injuries around the QB room and uncertainty at starter and backup spots, Cook remains a name to watch — potentially as a low-cost asset with upside.
Conclusion
Brady Cook’s journey so far reflects the volatility and challenge of making it in the NFL. From standout college quarterback at Missouri to undrafted free agent, he earned a shot with the New York Jets — and made the most of his preseason opportunities. While his regular-season debut exposed the gaps between potential and polish, Cook’s resilience, raw talent, and poise under pressure suggest he remains a valuable part of the Jets’ long-term quarterback strategy.
