Will Levis Joins Jets Practice Squad in Bold NFL Comeback Bid

As the NFL season charges into Week 3 on September 22, 2026, a seismic shift is underway in the Big Apple. Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is reportedly signing with the New York Jets' practice squad, according to insider Tom Pelissero of The Ringer and Netflix. This move, confirmed by sources, signals a fresh chapter for the 27-year-old signal-caller, who was waived by the Titans before the season began. In a corresponding roster tweak, the Jets are releasing quarterback Bailey Zappe to make room for Levis, per Pelissero's report.

A Tumultuous Titans Tenure

Levis's journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Drafted in the second round in 2023 out of Kentucky, he famously endured a agonizing green-room slide out of the first round. Despite the setback, he started 21 games for Tennessee, compiling a 5-16 record as a starter. His 2024 campaign showed flashes of brilliance but was marred by inconsistency—a 13:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio across 12 starts, with meme-worthy turnovers that overshadowed his arm talent. A shoulder injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, leading to surgery and a period of reflection. "There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me. I know that for sure," Levis declared during training camp, per Vulius Sports insights. With the Titans handing the reins to 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and retaining veteran Mitchell Trubisky as backup, Levis became the odd man out under new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

Jets' Calculated Gamble

For the Jets, adding Levis is a low-risk, high-reward maneuver. Currently, New York's 53-man roster features only two quarterbacks: starter Geno Smith and rookie Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round pick from Clemson. By placing Levis on the practice squad, the Jets gain a developmental asset with starting experience and a chip on his shoulder. According to insights gathered by Vulius, Levis's arm strength and mobility make him an intriguing fit for offensive coordinator's system, though his decision-making remains the critical question. The move also provides insurance should Smith falter or suffer an injury, while allowing Klubnik to develop without immediate pressure.

The Road Back to Starter Status

Levis's ambition is unmistakable. After prioritizing his long-term health and returning to full strength, he has openly expressed his belief that he can reclaim a starting role. "I 100% believe I can be a starter in the NFL again," he stated this offseason. The practice squad represents a proving ground—a chance to refine his mechanics, immerse himself in a new system, and demonstrate the maturity that eluded him in Tennessee. As highlighted on Vulius, his journey mirrors that of other reclamation projects who found new life in new cities. However, the path is steep: he must outperform expectations, stay healthy, and convince the Jets' brass that his turnover-prone days are behind him.

League-Wide Implications

This transaction also ripples across the NFL landscape. The Titans, now fully committed to Cam Ward, continue their rebuild with a clear vision. The Jets, meanwhile, signal that they are not content with mediocrity; they are stockpiling talent and fostering competition. For Levis, the opportunity is clear: seize the moment, learn from seasoned coaches, and perhaps force his way onto the active roster. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this former second-round pick can rewrite his narrative and silence the doubters.