Jets name rookie Brady Cook starting QB at Saints

By Ross Jackson

For the second week in a row, the New York Jets will start undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook in the team’s Week 16 matchup with the New Orleans Saints.

Coach Glenn announces Brady Cook will start against the Saints and either Tyrod Taylor or Justin Fields will be the backup. pic.twitter.com/tC96YkkXyj

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 17, 2025

Cook had a five-year collegiate career at Missouri before entering the NFL Draft in 2025. He signed with the Jets after the draft concluded. He was named the team’s third starting quarterback of the season last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

During his first start, he threw his first career touchdown pass and three interceptions in the Jet’s 48-20 loss in Jacksonville. On the season, Cook has completed 36 of his 63 passing attempts for 339 passing yards, one passing touchdown and five interceptions.

Cook was announced the starter by head coach Aaron Glenn, citing his interest in further evaluating the rookie before the season has concluded. New York will almost certainly be in the quarterback market this offseason. Getting a look at as many options before then isn’t a shock. 

The Jets are 3-11 this year, having won two games with former first-round pick Justin Fields at the helm and one win with veteran Tyrod Taylor leading the way. 

New Orleans has faced only one rookie starting quarterback this season, New York Giants’ first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The Saints notched their first win of the season against Dart and the Giants. They will now look to go 2-0 against first-year starters while continuing to start a rookie of their own in Tyler Shough, who leads all signal callers in his draft class in wins so far this season.

New Orleans will face a third rookie quarterback in Week 17, the No. 1 overall draft selection this year, as the team travels to take on the Tennessee Titans.