Jets add cut Giants QB Webb to practice squad
FLORHAM PARK » Davis Webb was just as surprised as everyone else when he was cut by the Giants.
The second-year quarterback wasn’t out of a job for long, though. And, he’s ready to move forward with the Jets, who signed him to their practice squad Tuesday.
“You never see it coming,” Webb said after his first practice with his new team. “I think everybody was kind of shocked. At the same time, they made a decision. I don’t have to agree with it. But I’m excited to be here and just be the best teammate I can be and just continue to grow.”
Webb was the Giants’ thirdround pick in last year’s draft, but was surprisingly waived Sunday during final roster cuts . The Giants initially had four quarterbacks on their roster before cutting Webb and keeping rookie Kyle Lauletta and veteran Alex Tanney as backups to Eli Manning.
Webb didn’t play in a regularseason game last season and was inconsistent this summer in three preseason games.
“I didn’t need a reason,” he said. “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 and I wish them nothing but the best.”
Webb added that he had an “emotional conversation” with Manning when he was cut after growing close last season.
To make room on the practice squad Tuesday, the Jets released quarterback John Wolford.
The former Wake Forest star signed with the Jets in August as an undrafted free agent, played the bulk of the preseason finale at Philadelphia and was waived as New York made its final cuts. He was signed to the practice squad Monday.
Once Webb was available, the Jets were among the first teams to contact him about an opportunity with them.
“I felt like this was the best decision for me,” Webb said. “They showed a lot of interest and I felt wanted. I’m excited to be here. There’s no doubt about that. I get to keep my house, too.”
After three years at Texas Tech, Webb transferred to Cal and played one season there. He had a terrific season for the Golden Bears while throwing for 4,295 yards and 37 touchdown passes, and was selected the MVP of the Senior Bowl.
“He was somebody we looked at coming out (of college),” coach Todd Bowles said. “To have him available and be able to work with him on the practice squad is something that intrigued us about him, with the size and the arm.”
Webb ended up being the fifth quarterback drafted last year and appeared to be a potential future replacement for Manning.