Where Jets could turn for next QB after Aaron Rodgers breakup
NEW ORLEANS — Now what?
The Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers, which means they will be in the familiar position of trying to find a quarterback entering the 2025 season.
The options are not that appealing, which was the main argument for keeping Rodgers. But new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have decided Rodgers does not fit their program.
So, it’s back to the drawing board.
The Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“A winner,” Glenn said when asked what he looks for in a quarterback. “Mental and physical toughness.”
The Jets could roll with Tyrod Taylor, who served as the backup last season and has another year left on his contract.
The 35-year-old appeared in just two games last season in mop-up duty. He is a solid veteran who has had success but has struggled to stay healthy.
If the Jets do decide to enter the season with Taylor as their starter, they are going to need to pair him with a young backup.
The Jets drafted Jordan Travis last year in the fifth round, but he missed the entire season after suffering a serious leg injury in his last game at Florida State. Travis had a setback during the season and never even made it to the practice field. The Jets can’t enter the spring expecting anything from Travis.
Tyrod Taylor is still under contract with the Jets. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The options in free agency are not overwhelming.
Sam Darnold is going to be the top free-agent quarterback unless there is a surprise cut between now and March. A reunion between Darnold and the Jets is unlikely. It is hard to imagine Darnold wanting to return to the site of so many struggles.
The Steelers have a decision to make between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who are both scheduled to hit free agency.
Steelers quarterback Justin Field could become a free agent. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Wilson does not make much sense for the Jets. He is a lesser version of Rodgers.
But Fields is intriguing, especially after watching former first-round picks like Darnold and Baker Mayfield reinvigorate their careers after a change of scenery.
Other potential free agents are Mac Jones, Jimmy Garoppolo and former Giants starter Daniel Jones.
There is also a question of whether the Falcons release Kirk Cousins with their future now tied to Michael Penix Jr. Cousins has a tie to the Jets now, too, with Rick Spielman serving as a senior advisor for the team.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard Getty Images
Spielman was the GM in Minnesota who signed Cousins. He would be a cheap option because the Falcons owe him $27.5 million guaranteed this season, so the Jets could pay him the minimum.
As for the NFL draft, the Jets may not be in position at No. 7 to get one of the top two quarterbacks. Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are expected to be taken in the top three picks.
At the moment, Jaxson Dart is not viewed as a top-10 pick, but that could change as the draft gets closer.
Day 2 options for the Jets include Will Howard, Jalen Milroe, Kyle McCord and Quinn Ewers.
