Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer2:10 PM ET3 Minute Read
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FLORHAM PARK, NJ — The New York Jets added a former Green Bay Packers quarterback on Thursday, but not the one everyone was expecting.
While trade talks for Aaron Rodgers continued, the Jets signed one of his former backups, Tim Boyle, to a one-year deal, a source confirmed.
Boyle, 28, who finished last season with the Chicago Bears roster, will be reunited with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. They overlapped for the 2019 and 2020 seasons at Green Bay, where Hackett served as coordinator from 2019 to 2021.
Boyle joins former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson and former practice team player Chris Streveler in the Jets’ quarterback room. Wilson will be the No. 2 quarterback, coach Robert Saleh said at the annual league meetings last week. Boyle conveys veteran depth and familiarity with the system, which will aid in installing the new attack.
Saleh carried three quarterbacks in each of his first two seasons, so it’s not uncommon for them to add a veteran. Essentially, Boyle replaces Mike White, who signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. Backup Joe Flacco remains unsigned.
Boyle spent three seasons with the Packers, making the team in 2018 as an undrafted free agent from Eastern Kentucky. He played behind Rodgers, the NFL’s 2020 MVP, and attempted just four passes during his time in Green Bay. Still, he made a strong impression on Rodgers.
The Jets have signed QB Tim Boyle, right, who was once Aaron Rodgers’ backup with the Packers for three seasons. Cary Edmondson – USA TODAY Sports
“He’s just a special guy,” Rodgers told Green Bay reporters in 2021 as Boyle prepared for his first career start as a member of the Detroit Lions. “I’ve seen him grow and develop with us over the years, not only as a person but also as a player. He has a great arm and is also very athletic.”
Boyle lost all three starts for the Lions in 2021 and completed 61 of 94 passes for 526 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions. He was released in the 2022 preseason and was eventually signed by the Bears on November 30. He only appeared in one game for the Bears and threw two clean-up duty interceptions in the final game of the season.
NFL Network first reported on the deal with the Jets.