Should the New York Jets turn to the kid at QB?

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine writing this story before Week 8.

But here we are.

The New York Jets are 0-7, and Justin Fields has played some of the worst football of his career, which is saying something.

Fields’ poor processing and sack-proneness finally forced Aaron Glenn’s hand, leading to his benching at halftime of Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers. However, Fields’ replacement, Tyrod Taylor, was hardly better, throwing two interceptions and failing to lead New York into the end zone.

Now, fans are questioning whether Taylor offers any real upside the rest of the way.

That leaves one name on everyone’s mind: Brady Cook.

Is it Brady Cook time?

The undrafted rookie out of Missouri, who beat out Adrian Martinez for the Jets’ No. 3 quarterback spot during training camp, currently sits on the team’s practice squad. After weeks of disastrous quarterback play, many in the fanbase have begun calling for Cook to get his shot.

Across three preseason appearances, Cook completed 66% of his passes for 235 yards, tossing one touchdown and one interception while averaging just over six yards per attempt.

Cook’s preseason film stood out for traits that did not show up on the stat sheet, such as pocket feel, timing, and composure under pressure, elements highlighted by Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo.

However, folks, it is way too early to start calling for Cook.

Brady Cook has a strong chance to start some games this year, but not right now

Jets fans are understandably frustrated. Fields has been unwatchable, and Taylor, a 36-year-old veteran, doesn’t represent a long-term solution. The urge to see what the team has in its young prospect is natural.

While Cook showed flashes of potential throughout the preseason, the timing simply isn’t right.

Optically, it would send a poor message. The Jets are the NFL’s only winless team, the league’s running punchline. Promoting an undrafted rookie from the practice squad to start over an established veteran would make the franchise look even more laughable. It would tell the locker room that winning isn’t the top priority, which Aaron Glenn has preached since he was hired.

At this point, Taylor remains the logical starter. He was far from perfect in relief Sunday, throwing two interceptions, but his pocket presence and willingness to push the ball downfield brought new elements to the offense.

The Jets’ upcoming schedule also plays a role. Three of their next four games are in tough road environments—Cincinnati, New England, and Baltimore. Between those, they will play the Cleveland Browns’ elite defense.

Thrusting Cook into that gauntlet would be unfair. For an undrafted rookie making his first NFL starts, that would be by fire, and the scrutiny would be brutal if he faltered.

If the offense continues to stagnate deep into the season, perhaps it would make sense to give Cook a chance over the final few weeks. But for now, patience is the wiser play.

If the Jets’ offense remains unwatchable beyond Week 13, that could be the ideal time to get Cook involved, with more favorable matchups coming up against teams such as the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints.

As desperate as the Jets may seem, throwing Cook into chaos this early wouldn’t save the season. It would only set him and the offense up for continued failure.