Jets add Will Levis to practice squad, parting with Bailey Zappe

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis joins the New York Jets' practice squad, with Bailey Zappe released to open the spot, per an AP source.

The New York Jets have signed quarterback Will Levis to their practice squad, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The team had not announced the move. To clear a spot, New York released quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad.

Levis, 27, entered the league as the 33rd overall pick in 2023, when Tennessee traded up to select him out of Kentucky in the second round. The Titans cut him during final roster reductions last month, and he worked out for the Jets earlier in September. He sat out all of last season while recovering from shoulder surgery.

In Tennessee, Levis began his rookie year third on the depth chart before making nine starts. He opened 2024 as the Titans' starter but was limited by a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. Across his career, he has thrown for 3,899 yards with 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, going 5-16 as a starter. Tennessee drafted Cam Ward first overall in 2025, which clouded Levis's future with the franchise.

The Jets currently carry Geno Smith and rookie fourth-round pick Cade Kubnik at quarterback on the active roster, so Levis would be inactive on game days unless promoted. In August, Levis said he still believes he can start in the NFL, saying there are not 32 quarterbacks in the league better than him.

Zappe, a 2022 fourth-round pick by New England out of Western Kentucky, signed with the Jets in the offseason, was cut, then re-signed to the practice squad. He has nine career starts with the Patriots and Cleveland Browns, along with two separate stops in Kansas City.