Jets shuffles QB waiving Tim Boyle and signing Brett Rypien off Seahawks practice squad

With the four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the New York Jets started the 2023 NFL season with great offensive prowess. However, since the quarterback went down with a potential season-ending injury, the team’s O-line became its Achilles Heel. With a 4-8 record, Gang Green is now sitting at the third spot of the AFC East.

Though Rodgers has been activated to the 21-day practice session, his potential return this season is still uncertain. Meanwhile, the Jets QB saga has taken another new turn as they took a sudden move of waiving Tim Boyle, and signed a new signal-caller, Brett Rypien amid the regular season.

Jets dump QB Tim Boyle

After losing Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury in Week 1, the Jets showcased unwavering commitment to Zach Wilson for several weeks. However, their offense kept deteriorating only after having a short winning streak. The ongoing losing streak forced Robert Saleh to move on from Zach, despite defending the signal-caller several times.

Gang Green later decided to bank on Tim Boyle, keeping Trevor Siemian as his backup. In Boyle’s debut match against the Miami Dolphins, the Jets had to embrace a 13-34 defeat, and the QB showcased a 27-of-38 passing performance while recording just 179 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions before getting benched.

Despite this performance, Saleh said they would give the QB “another shot” to prove his worth in the match against the Atlanta Falcons. He failed to capitalize on the second opportunity and the Jets once again digested a 13-8 loss to the Falcons. Now, the team has decided to move on by cutting him from the squad.

In two games this season as a starter, the fifth-year veteran showcased mixed performances by completing 48 of 77 passes for 380 yards. However, the QB’s stats reveal a struggle with consistency, as he managed just one touchdown pass along with four interceptions. With an average of 4.7 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 56.2, there was definitely room for improvement.

Jets sign Brett Rypien off Seahawks practice squad

The Jets’ quarterback saga has been tumultuous, to say the least, this season. As Tim Boyle went down from his role, it marked the second-time this season the team changed their starter. After parting ways with Tim, the Jets signed Brett Rypien, nephew of Mark Rypien, from the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks, per ESPN.

The 27-year-old has started four career games, having a 2-2 record. He started one game for the Los Angeles Rams in place of their QB1 Matthew Stafford this season, albeit losing the match to the Green Bay Packers. The Rams later cut him, and he was signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Nov. 10. The signal-caller threw for 950 yards with four touchdowns for nine interceptions as a starter.

Notably, the Jets had eyes on Rypien earlier in the season when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in his debut match against the Buffalo Bills. However, timing thwarted their attempt as the QB received a promotion to the Rams’ active roster. The signal-caller’s familiarity with Jets’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett from their time together with the Denver Broncos is going to be another plus point for him.

Amidst the uncertainty, with no clear starter named for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans, the Jets’ decision to bring in Rypien seems to serve as a buffer. Reports about Wilson’s hesitancy following his benching added more suspense, despite Robert Saleh dismissing these claims.