Trevor Siemian, who supported Cousins as a QB2 in 2018, is heading to the Jets.
The Jets lost Aaron Rodgers four plays into the 2023 season to a torn Achilles, and for a moment, some envisioned Zach Wilson taking over and thriving. But then Wilson took the baton and started playing like Wilson, leading New York and NFL media to speculate what the team could do at quarterback in Rodgers’ stead.
For now, at least as an audition, Siemian could be the next man up if the Jets continue to stockpile losses. New York won its first game when Rodgers was injured, but thereafter has endured losses to the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots.
The Jets represent seven NFL franchises in nine seasons for Siemian, who will turn 32 around Christmas. Siemian also played for New York in 2019 while Sam Darnold was emerging.
In 2021, Siemian started four games for the New Orleans Saints as that organization navigated post-Drew Brees life and a season-ending injury to reclamation project Jameis Winston. Last year, Siemian landed with the Chicago Bears as a backup to the up-and-coming Justin Fields, along with Nathan Peterman. But his season was cut short on November 27th in warm-ups when Siemian injured his shoulder. He would’ve experienced playing time against the Vikings in Week 18, but Peterman and Tim Boyle took the reins instead.
Siemian, a journeyman, began his career as “Peyton Manning’s replacement” after the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 2015. Siemian even has ring hardware as Manning and the Broncos toppled the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Siemian later departed Colorado, becoming a backup quarterback for the Vikings, Jets, Tennessee Titans, aforementioned Saints + Bears, and Bengals.
With the Vikings, Siemian saw no regular season playing time.
Altogether, Siemian has thrown 42 touchdowns to 28 interceptions in 30 career starts. His teams are 13-17 (.433) on his watch, and he’s averaged 200.8 passing yards per game along the way. Against the Bengals in 2016, Siemian sliced and diced Cincinnati for 312 passing yards and four touchdowns in a Broncos win, 29-17. Denver climbed to a nifty 4-0 start mere months after winning the Super Bowl, and that was really the last time Denver was any good or thought about sniffing the postseason.
Six former Vikings now work for the Jets: Tyler Conklin (TE), Dalvin Cook (RB), Jayln Holmes (DT, PS), Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE), Chazz Surratt (LB) — and Siemian.
