Jets To Start QB Brady Cook In Week 15

Both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields have been sidelined during practice this week. As they recover, Cook will make his first career start on Sunday. The undrafted rookie has been able to participate in practice in recent days, with the same also being true of Adrian Martinez (h/t ESPN’s Rich Cimini).

As such, a Cook-Martinez tandem will be in place at the QB spot on Sunday against the Jaguars. Cook replaced Taylor last week, allowing him to see his first regular season game action. For at least one week, Cook will now be tasked with handling quarterback duties during a full contest. Sunday’s game does not carry playoff implications for New York but it will for Jacksonville.

The 9-4 Jags are competing for top spot in the AFC South down the stretch. The Jets, meanwhile, are one of eight teams entering Week 15 with either two or three wins. Where the team winds up in the first-round draft order will of course be critical given New York’s need for a long-term quarterback investment.

Fields began the season atop the depth chart, but his struggles in the passing game resulted in Taylor taking over. Fields was surprised by his benching, and he has expressed an expectation for future starting opportunities. The free agent addition is under contract for 2026, but a parting of ways would not surprise many in his case. Taylor, 36, is set to reach the open market this spring.

The Jets’ new HC-GM combo of Glenn and Darren Mougey will therefore have the opportunity to rebuild at the quarterback position this offseason. Part of their planning at the position, of course, will be dictated by how Cook and – if he manages to see the field – Martinez perform late in the campaign. At least one could provide depth under center for 2026 depending on how the next several months play out.

Signed to a futures contract in January, Martinez was waived by the Jets during roster cutdowns. The former UDFA wound up joining the 49ers and making one appearance with them. Earlier this week, Martinez returned to New York via a practice squad deal to give the team a healthy option. That will see him dress for Week 15, but it will be Cook leading the offense on Sunday.