Jets sign QB Desmond Ridder's college backup to compete in training camp

The New York Jets added a fourth quarterback to their 90-man roster on Thursday.

While placing defensive end Haason Reddick on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, the Jets announced the signing of undrafted rookie field general Ben Bryant. The team needed another arm in training camp due to fifth-round rookie Jordan Travis being on the Non-Football Injury list, according to head coach Robert Saleh.

"As far as the fourth quarterback, JT's gonna take a little bit more time than we were hoping. We need a fourth quarterback, so that was really the reasoning for the fourth quarterback," said Saleh after Thursday's practice in Florham Park.

Travis, the reigning Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, is still recovering from a serious leg injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season at Florida State. His absence leaves Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor and rookie Andrew Peasley as New York's available quarterbacks.

Meanwhile, Bryant was the ultimate college journeyman prior to landing in Florham Park. Òver a six-year period, he started at Cincinnati, left for Eastern Michigan, returned to Cincinnati and eventually transferred to Northwestern for a graduate season.

During his initial Cincy tenure, Bryant was stuck behind 2022 third-round draft pick Desmond Ridder. After departing, he made 11 starts for EMU in 2021 and subsequently returned to Cincinnati to become the Bearcats starter in 2022.

Bryant's 2023 campaign was interrupted by an injury sustained in Northwestern's September 30 loss to Penn State. He eventually returned in November to lead the Wildcats past Big Ten rival Wisconsin, 24-10.

A couple of months before joining the Jets, Bryant participated in the New York Giants' rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.