The New York Jets have spiced up their competition for the backup quarterback job, adding AAF alum Brandon Silvers from the Memphis Express.
The New York Jets have brought in another Trojan to play quarterback.
Brandon Silvers was signed by the Jets on Wednesday morning, adding another name in the Sam Darnold understudy mix. A Troy University alum, Silvers was most recently part of the Alliance of American Football. The AAF suspended operations last week with two weeks left in their inaugural regular season schedule.
Silvers began the year as the third-string quarterback for the Memphis Express, but was the team’s starter by the end of their eight-game tenure. The team had started with former Jets second-round pick Christian Hackenberg as their stater before turning to NFL alum Zach Mettenberger. Memphis had also brought in Johnny Manziel, but Silvers was getting a majority of opportunities.
Despite a late on-field arrival, Silvers was the most prolific of the Express quarterbacks, leading the team with 799 yards and four touchdown passes. In the penultimate week of the season, Silvers ended the AAF’s first overtime game on a victorious note, throwing a game-winning touchdown a 31-25 victory over the Birmingham Iron.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EFzHoGmX2w
In college, Silvers ended his career as the second Trojans quarterback to throw for at least 10,000 yards (10,677). His 71 touchdown passes and 135.8 passer rating are likewise good for second in program history. Silvers would save his best for last, as he threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns in his collegiate finale, a 50-30 win over North Texas in the 2017 New Orleans Bowl.
In terms of the NFL, Silvers partook in the New Orleans Saints’ rookie minicamp, but was not offered a contract.
The Jets are obviously staked on the long-term potential of Darnold, last season’s first-round pick out of USC. However, their backup quarterback situation has become murky with the departure of free agent veteran Josh McCown, who hinted at retirement earlier this offseason.
Joining Silvers in the backup mix are the retained Davis Webb and free agent addition Trevor Siemian, the latter of whom started 24 games during the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Denver Broncos.
