Jets sign ex-Giants QB Davis Webb to practice squad
Former Giants quarterback Davis Webb is happy the Jets signed him to their practice squad on Tuesday. Credit: Daniel De Mato
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Davis Webb didn’t agree with the Giants’ decision to cut him, and he said some of his old teammates didn’t, either.
The Giants' loss turned into a Jets gain.
Todd Bowles said the Jets were looking at Webb coming out of college, and that they were “intrigued” by his size and his arm. The Jets signed Webb to their practice squad Tuesday two days after the Giants surprisingly cut the strong-armed quarterback. The move raised eyebrows about a team that eventually has to start grooming 37-year-old Eli Manning’s successor. Webb was a third-round pick in 2017 out of Cal-Berkeley.
“I didn’t need a reason,” Webb said following his first practice as a Jet. “They made a decision. I didn’t agree with it. I don’t think many people did, especially my teammates. At the same time, I’ve moved on.”
Webb said he had an emotional conversation with Manning and mentioned him among the players and people he would miss. He also referenced Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram, Rhett Ellison and staff members.
During training camp, Webb took the bulk of the reps with the second-team offense. The Giants had four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. But they cut Webb Sunday and kept rookie Kyle Lauletta and Alex Tanney as Manning’s backups.
Webb, who never has appeared in a regular-season game, completed 28 of 53 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown this preseason.
He said the Jets were among a few teams to reach out to him after he cleared waivers. To make room for Webb, the Jets cut quarterback John Wolford.
“I think everybody was kind of shocked,” Webb said of being cut. “They made a decision. I don’t have to agree with it. I’m excited to be here and be the best teammate I can be and continue to grow as a quarterback.
“I felt this was the best decision for me. They showed a lot of interest and I felt wanted and I’m excited to be here. I get to keep my house, too.”
The Giants also surprised many by taking running back Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 pick in a draft that had potential franchise quarterbacks. That decision also proved beneficial for the Jets, who nabbed quarterback Sam Darnold with the No. 3 pick.
The Jets announced Monday that Darnold would be their Week 1 starter, and he’s considered the man who will lead their offense for the next decade.
Josh McCown is Darnold’s backup, but he’s 39 years old. Webb could be insurance for the future, and could emerge as Darnold’s backup next season if he impresses in his current role.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” Webb said. “I’m excited to be here. Excited driving up the Turnpike this morning and being a Jet. I’m fired up just to get better and to be a great teammate."
Calling it the “next chapter,” Webb also said he was excited to reconnect with Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, who built a relationship with him during the 2017 draft process, and Darnold. Webb was a counselor at the Elite 11 quarterback camp when Darnold was a junior in high school.
“I knew he could spin it then, a few years later everybody knows he can spin it,” Webb said. “I’m excited watching him play Monday night. He was a great player at USC. He’s going to be a great player in this league. I’m excited to be in a quarterback room with him along with Josh and continue to grow.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
