The Jets became the 16th NFL team to add a former Alliance of American Football player Wednesday when they signed quarterback Brandon Silvers.
Silvers took over as the starter for the Memphis Express of the now-defunct AAF after former Jets QB Christian Hackenberg was benched for his pitiful performance. In three starts, Silvers threw for 777 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Now that he’s a member of the Jets, let’s get to know the quarterback a bit better.
College standout
Silvers starred as a four-year starter at Troy University.
As a three-star recruit out of high school, Silvers completed 64.4 percent of his passes while throwing for 10,677 yards, 71 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.
As a freshman, Silvers was named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Newcomer team. Silvers was an all-conference honorable mention as a sophomore and earned first-team all-Sun Belt honors as a junior.
Senior Bowl invitee
After his senior season, Silvers was one of eight senior quarterbacks to be invited to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Silvers put his arm strength on display that week but struggled when he had to come off of his first read.
During the game, he attempted two passes, going 1 of 2 for nine yards. That did not get him recognition, but his success at Troy helped him earn an undrafted free agent contract from the New Orleans Saints.
Alliance of American Football
Silvers was taken in the third round of the AAF QB draft by the Memphis Express with the No. 18 overall pick.
Silvers was taken just three picks behind Hackenberg in the AAF draft. Silvers was one of four quarterbacks to play for the Express, the others being former NFL QBs Zach Mettenberger and Johnny Manziel.
In three starts with the Express, Silvers threw for 777 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
The Old Guy
Silvers spent so much time at Troy that his teammates nicknamed him “Paw.”
It took Silvers five years to get his degree in sports and fitness management with a minor in tourism. By the time Silvers entered his final season with the Trojans, he was 23. For context, Sam Darnold will be turning 22 in June.
Now 24, Silvers will need to battle Davis Webb for the No. 3 QB spot even though he is no longer the senior in the quarterback room.
