After addressing several roster needs in the 2025 NFL draft, the New York Jets remained active in the undrafted free agent market, signing a handful of players to bolster their training camp roster.
However, one addition in particular deserves closer attention, especially after the recent Jordan Travis news.
The Jets inked Missouri quarterback Brady Cook to a UDFA deal. The quarterback will reunite with his primary right tackle at Mizzou, Armand Membou, whom New York selected with the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft.
He also inserts a bit of intrigue into this Jets’ quarterback room.
Cook spent all five college seasons at Missouri, compiling 9,251 passing yards and 50 touchdowns while completing nearly 66% of his passes. He added 1,262 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. The signal-caller made 47 starts for the Tigers, 38 of which came with Membou protecting him up front.
Cook put together his strongest collegiate campaign in 2023, throwing for 3,317 yards with 21 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He completed 66.1% of his passes that season while displaying improved command and poise within Missouri’s offense.
In 2024, Cook played in 12 games, completing 62.6% of his passing attempts for 2,535 yards, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also rushing for 223 yards and five touchdowns.
Why is Brady Cook worth an extra look?
Athletic Traits
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 212 pounds, Brady Cook is slightly undersized for the quarterback position, but he turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine with standout testing numbers.
He boasts elite wheels for a signal-caller, clocking a noteworthy 4.62 in the 40, putting him in the 88th percentile at his position.
Overall, Cook posted a 9.71 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), ranking 30th out of 993 quarterbacks from 1987 to 2025, a highly impressive mark.
In today’s NFL, where teams increasingly favor young, athletic quarterbacks, the Missouri product brings the physical tools and athletic profile needed to carve out a role at the next level.
Aaron Glenn type-player
While the 23-year-old undoubtedly still needs to develop, he possesses personal traits that head coach Aaron Glenn has made clear he covets in a player.
A two-time team captain, Cook is recognized for his leadership and toughness, which have earned him considerable respect from his teammates at Missouri.
Whenever the Jets head coach can add leadership to the locker room, he’s interested in exploring the potential.
Opens up YAC opportunities
Cook consistently hits receivers in stride, creating yards after the catch (YAC) opportunities for receivers, significantly elevating a team’s offense.
After selecting Malachi Corley in the third round of last year’s draft, the Jets may be looking to get him involved in the team’s offense after a minimal role last year.
Cook could be the perfect quarterback to open up opportunities for Corley, nicknamed the “YAC King,” and the rest of the Jets’ pass catchers.
Escapeability
The Missouri native has showcased his above-average escapability on designed runs, while also being able to pick up chunk plays and move the chains when needed.
Athletic quarterbacks are increasingly favored at the NFL level. Cook has demonstrated his athleticism, mobility, and ability to make plays on the run, which will play a crucial role in how teams view him throughout his NFL career.
Minimal Turnovers
In 2024, Cook threw only two interceptions compared to 11 touchdowns, posting a stellar 1.0% turnover-worthy play rate—above the NFL average for quarterbacks, at 2.5%.
What teams often look for in a quality backup quarterback is someone who will not make costly mistakes and force avoidable turnovers. Cook offers that.
Summary
Overall, Cook has proven he possesses the tools to succeed at the NFL level, but consistency and continued development will ultimately determine his success.
If the 23-year-old can develop into a quality backup (which is a realistic projection), that would be an incredible value steal by Darren Mougey in undrafted free agency.
This is another excellent move by Mougey, bringing in a low-risk option who has the potential to make an impact with a strong summer.
At worst, the Jets took a very low-risk swing on an athletic UDFA quarterback, and at best, New York has their long-term backup, whom they can feel comfortable starting for a stretch of games.
