DONE DEAL- Stallions quarterback signs with New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers reacts with his spot now at stake….
After clinching the United Football League Most Valuable Player Award and leading the Birmingham Stallions to a UFL championship this year, quarterback Adrian Martinez is now seizing an NFL opportunity.
On Saturday, the New York Jets announced they had signed Martinez, although the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Martinez is now the fourth quarterback on the New York roster, joining the ranks of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, the experienced 13-year veteran Tyrod Taylor, and undrafted rookie Andrew Peasley from Wyoming.
Jordan Travis, a fifth-round draft pick, began training camp on the non-football injury (NFI) list as he is recovering from a fractured ankle sustained during a decisive 58-13 win over North Alabama on November 18.
The Jets had signed undrafted rookie Ben Bryant on Thursday to fill in for Travis, but Bryant was released to make room for Martinez.
Martinez’s stellar performance during the Stallions’ 9-1 regular season included leading the UFL in rushing with 528 yards and three touchdowns on 54 carries. He also showcased his passing skills, completing 134 of 229 passes for 1,749 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only three interceptions.
Initially, Martinez shared playing time with former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, who started two of Birmingham’s first three games. However, the Stallions eventually settled on Martinez as their primary quarterback.
Martinez demonstrated his prowess with a league-high four touchdown passes in Birmingham’s 39-21 victory over the Memphis Showboats on May 4. He also accounted for five touchdowns (three passing and two rushing) in a thrilling 35-28 win against the Houston Roughnecks on May 18. Notably, Martinez was the only UFL player to achieve two 300-yard passing games in 2024, both against Memphis, with 369 yards on May 4 and 334 yards in a 33-14 victory on April 13.
This isn’t Martinez’s first brush with the NFL. After four successful seasons at Nebraska, where he ranked second in passing yards, fourth in touchdown passes, and seventh in rushing touchdowns in Cornhuskers’ history, Martinez transferred to Kansas State to complete his college career in 2022.
Despite his impressive college stats, Martinez went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but was signed by the Detroit Lions. He participated in two preseason games, but the Lions opted to retain veteran Teddy Bridgewater as Jared Goff’s backup and had also invested in Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker with the 68th pick.
Now, Martinez has a fresh opportunity to prove himself in the NFL with the New York Jets, bringing his dynamic playmaking abilities and determined spirit to the team.