The New York Jets are in the midst of a quarterback search, and with the NFL Draft and free agency approaching, the team is in a bit of a pickle. The Jets' initial plan to sign Justin Fields fell through, and now they are left with a handful of options, some more appealing than others. Here's a breakdown of the 12 quarterbacks who could be the Jets' next starter, with a focus on the most likely candidates and the less desirable options.
An Unlikely Trio
While the Jets may not land any of these three, it's worth noting that they are still in the running.
Malik Willis
Willis is an intriguing prospect, with impressive mobility and arm strength. However, his sample size is small, and the Jets may be hesitant to commit significant money to a 'lottery ticket'. Willis' potential is hard to ignore, but the Jets' recent experience with Fields may make them cautious.
Mac Jones
Jones' performance with the 49ers was surprising, and he could be a cheap option for the Jets. However, the 49ers are looking for a high return, and the Jets may not be willing to give up too much draft capital for a quarterback who is not guaranteed to be the long-term solution.
Tanner McKee
McKee fits the size parameters that Frank Reich, the Jets' offensive coordinator, prefers. However, the Eagles want too much for him, and the Jets may not be willing to pay the price for an unknown commodity.
Backup-Caliber Options
These quarterbacks could be useful as backups, but they are unlikely to be full-time starters.
Jarrett Stidham
Stidham has been high on the Broncos' list, and his stats project out to more than 4,500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions over a full season. He could be a useful training-camp competition with a rookie or another veteran.
Tyrod Taylor
Taylor is a veteran who has shown some flashes of arm talent, but his health has been an issue. He could be a good veteran to keep around in a room that could include a new starter and a new rookie.
Andy Dalton
Dalton has started only seven games over the last three years, but he was solid in his last season as a full-time starter. Reich's offense could be a good fit for Dalton, and he wouldn't cost much in a trade.
Carson Wentz
Wentz has grown quite a bit since being cast aside by the Eagles, Colts, and Commanders. He could be a cheap option, and he actually had some moments with the Vikings last year before an injury. He still shouldn't be a full-time starter, but the Jets could do worse for their No. 2.
Making More Sense
These veterans make varying degrees of sense for the Jets.
Kyler Murray
Murray is a potential option, but the buzz in league circles is that he will land with the Vikings. The Jets are operating under that assumption, but nothing is certain until Murray signs on the dotted line.
Derek Carr
Carr was the Jets' QB in 2023, and he could be a Hall of Fame quarterback in New York. However, he's not an ideal option for a team that should be thinking about the future.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa is an accurate, efficient quarterback, but he's not a cold-weather quarterback. The Jets have a solid offensive line, running back, and No. 1 wide receiver, but Tagovailoa's health and the fact that he's played in the sunny confines of Hard Rock Stadium for the last six seasons may be a concern.
The Front-Runners
These are the two quarterbacks who are most likely to be the Jets' next starter.
Geno Smith
Smith is a gunslinger who still has something left in the tank. A reunion with the Jets is definitely in play, and the ability to sign him on the cheap without trading any draft capital makes him especially appealing.
Jacoby Brissett
Brissett is a solid quarterback who stepped in for Murray last season in Arizona and was prolific. He has connections to the Jets through Reich and Bill Parcells, and his $4.8 million base salary makes him an attractive option.
In the end, none of these options are especially appealing, but that's life in QB purgatory. The Jets will have to make a decision soon, and the future of the franchise could depend on it.
