DONE CONFIRMED: Kentucky Wildcats Quarterback Zach Calzada Signs a 4-year Contract With the New York Jets worth $105 Million as their new… 

Kentucky Wildcats Quarterback Zach Calzada Signs a 4-year Contract With the New York Jets worth $105 Million as their new…

In a move that has sent shockwaves through both college football and the NFL, former Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Zach Calzada has officially signed a 4-year, $105 million contract with the New York Jets. The team announced the blockbuster deal early Friday morning, confirming Calzada as the franchise’s new starting quarterback heading into the 2025 NFL season.

The deal, which includes $68 million guaranteed and a $25 million signing bonus, marks a dramatic rise for Calzada, whose college journey was anything but conventional. After transferring twice during his NCAA career — from Texas A&M to Auburn and then to Kentucky — Calzada emerged as one of college football’s most determined and resilient signal-callers. His strong final season with the Wildcats solidified his status as a top prospect, impressing scouts with his arm strength, football IQ, and leadership.

A New Era in New York

The New York Jets have struggled for consistency at quarterback for over a decade, despite investing heavily in draft picks and free-agent signings. With this contract, the organization is clearly signaling its commitment to building around Calzada for the foreseeable future.

“We believe Zach is the future of this franchise,” said Jets general manager Joe Douglas at a press conference Friday. “His journey, work ethic, and perseverance tell you all you need to know about the kind of player and leader he is. He’s battle-tested, coachable, and brings a chip on his shoulder that we believe will elevate this entire locker room.”

Calzada, 24, is expected to compete immediately for the starting job, though reports indicate the Jets are fully prepared to hand him the reins from Day One of training camp. Current starter and 2021 second-overall pick Zach Wilson is widely expected to be traded or moved to a backup role following the announcement.

From Underdog to Franchise QB

Zach Calzada’s road to the NFL has been filled with challenges. Originally committing to Texas A&M, he rose to prominence in 2021 after leading the Aggies to a historic upset over then-No. 1 Alabama. Despite flashes of brilliance, Calzada transferred twice in search of stability and playing time.

It wasn’t until his final year at Kentucky that he truly found his stride. Under head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Calzada threw for over 3,600 yards and 28 touchdowns, completing nearly 68% of his passes. He led the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and a Citrus Bowl victory, earning All-SEC honors and catapulting himself into first-round draft consideration.

Though he ultimately went in the early second round to the Jets, many analysts believed he was one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in the draft.

“Zach has always had the tools — the arm, the toughness, the leadership,” said Stoops in a statement Friday. “What he showed this past season was the ability to put it all together, and it doesn’t surprise me one bit that an organization like the Jets sees his potential.”

High Hopes and High Stakes

The pressure in New York is always intense, and that will be no different for Calzada, especially with a nine-figure contract attached to his name. The Jets are banking on him not just to be a stopgap or a game manager, but the face of the franchise — a quarterback who can bring them back to playoff relevance and potentially contend for a Super Bowl.

The team has spent heavily in free agency to surround him with weapons, adding veteran wideout Tee Higgins and bolstering the offensive line with the signing of All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith. In the backfield, Breece Hall remains a dynamic option, and the Jets’ defense, led by Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, continues to be among the league’s best.

“This is everything I’ve worked for,” Calzada said during his introductory press conference at MetLife Stadium. “The road here wasn’t always smooth, but every step of the journey prepared me for this moment. I’m ready to lead, to compete, and to bring something special to this city.”

What’s Next?

With OTAs already underway and training camp just a few weeks out, Calzada will now begin the hard work of adjusting to the NFL level — learning the Jets’ playbook, building chemistry with his teammates, and shouldering the expectations of a long-suffering fan base.

But if his track record tells us anything, it’s that Zach Calzada thrives when the odds are against him.