Taking a look at who could be the Jets’ starting QB in 2026

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — It has been exactly 50 years since Joe Namath played his final game for the New York Jets. In the decades since, the franchise has grappled with consistent quarterback instability.

However, the current situation might be unprecedented.

The Jets find themselves in a transitional period, following the departure of Aaron Rodgers and preceding the arrival of their next signal-caller. Last season, three different quarterbacks started at least four games each, a feat matched by only one other team in NFL history during a single season.

The 2026 season could see an entirely new lineup of quarterbacks for the Jets, with discussions for free agents set to commence Monday (noon ET). While the trade period is active, transactions will not be finalized until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, marking the start of the new league year.

New York aims to address immediate needs by securing one or two bridge quarterbacks, deferring a long-term solution to either next month’s draft or even the following year’s draft.

While some fans advocate for sacrificing the 2026 season to secure prospects like Arch Manning or Dante Moore in the 2027 draft, coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are under pressure to improve upon last season’s disappointing 3-14 record.

Their jobs might depend on avoiding a “March for Arch” scenario, making it crucial to select an appropriate veteran from a less-than-stellar pool of options. They also need to determine if Ty Simpson — widely considered the draft’s top quarterback prospect outside of Fernando Mendoza — is worth their second (16th overall) or third (33rd) pick.

It’s fair to say these impending decisions will shape the franchise’s trajectory for many years. Adding to the difficulty is the Jets’ lack of appeal as a prime destination; they haven’t sent a quarterback to the Pro Bowl since Brett Favre in 2008.

“You’re walking into a difficult situation,” observed a seasoned personnel executive.

A notable aspect of this year’s veteran quarterback market is the anticipated availability of several long-term starters as salary cap casualties. These players will likely be accessible for the veteran minimum ($1.3 million) because their previous teams are still obligated to pay them substantial guaranteed sums, thanks to contract offset language.

Barring the acquisition of Malik Willis, an unrestricted free agent projected to command at least $20 million annually, the Jets likely won’t need to commit heavily financially to a quarterback. It’s worth remembering they still owe $10 million guaranteed to Justin Fields, which will result in a $22 million dead cap charge if he is released, as expected.

Thus, the strategy appears to involve bringing in a veteran stopgap and reevaluating in 2027, when their substantial collection of draft picks (three first-rounders) can be utilized to target a future franchise quarterback.

“If I had five first-round picks over the next two years, I wouldn’t rush to [draft] a quarterback this year, given the immense flexibility in this draft class,” stated ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid. “I believe this year they should focus on acquiring foundational pieces, those blue-chip-caliber players needed to bolster their current roster.”

Reid suggests that New York, possessing four picks within the top 44, should prioritize other positional needs over quarterback and “prepare to integrate a young quarterback into the system in 2027.”

Mougey confirmed that he and Glenn hold daily discussions with newly appointed offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave regarding their quarterback strategy. This plan requires careful consideration, as it encompasses multiple layers: free agents, potential roster cuts, and trade targets.

“I do believe there are some promising candidates out there,” Mougey remarked.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential options for the Jets:

Unrestricted Free Agents

Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo, Marcus Mariota, Gardner Minshew, Willis

This pool of candidates isn’t particularly enticing. Willis stands out as the most prominent name, primarily due to his impressive limited action with the Green Bay Packers — 46 dropbacks that will likely translate into a lucrative new contract. After committing $30 million in guarantees to the unsuccessful Fields last year, the Jets may be wary of making another significant investment in an unproven player for a second consecutive year.

Wentz, currently recovering from left shoulder surgery after a 2-3 record as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter, is a potential target due to his prior success with Reich – two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and one with the Indianapolis Colts. At 33, Wentz has transitioned from an MVP candidate (2017) to a league journeyman, but he has historically performed best under Reich’s guidance and would be financially accessible. This makes him arguably the top preference among this group.

Anticipated Cap Casualties

Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins

Smith, whose initial tenure with the Jets from 2013 to 2016 was challenging, revitalized his career with the Seattle Seahawks. However, his performance sharply declined last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he led the league with 17 interceptions. The Jets had rated Smith, now 35, highly last offseason when the Seahawks considered trading him, suggesting they might attribute his struggles last season to the chaotic environment in Las Vegas.

It’s challenging to envision Smith returning to the Jets, especially after the 2015 incident where his jaw was broken in a locker-room altercation with a teammate, yet the NFL often sees unexpected turns. Smith is still owed $18 million by the Raiders, meaning he could be acquired for the veteran minimum salary.

Regarding Murray and Tagovailoa, both are 28 and have accumulated significant starting experience (87 and 76 games, respectively). Tagovailoa boasts a 4,000-yard passing season (2023), and Murray has surpassed 3,700 yards in four separate seasons. The Jets are expected to show interest in both quarterbacks to some extent.

However, there are notable drawbacks: both were benched last season, both have concerns regarding durability (particularly Tagovailoa with his history of concussions), and both are receiving substantial salaries to not play for their drafting teams.

Murray is owed $36.8 million by the Arizona Cardinals, and Tagovailoa $54 million by the Miami Dolphins. These figures speak volumes about their situations.

The climate factor also presents an issue. Tagovailoa holds an 0-5 record when the kickoff temperature is 40 degrees or lower; Murray’s record in such conditions is 1-1. November and December games at MetLife Stadium can be brutally cold.

“I wish you could merge Tua’s character with Murray’s physique,” commented the personnel executive, raising concerns about the leadership qualities of the former No. 1 overall pick.

Despite this, the executive believes the Jets should pursue Murray, stating, “you can achieve victories with him. He still possesses ample talent.”

Nonetheless, the Vikings might be Murray’s preferred destination. The executive deemed Tagovailoa too much of a gamble due to his injury history.

Potential Trade Targets

Jacoby Brissett, Jarrett Stidham, Mac Jones, Tanner McKee, Spencer Rattler, Tyson Bagent, Will Levis, Davis Mills, Andy Dalton, Derek Carr

A rather extensive collection of current backup quarterbacks, isn’t it? This list underscores the inherent uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ current quarterback situation.

Jones arguably presents the most potential among this group, though the San Francisco 49ers have indicated they are unwilling to trade him. If a trade were to materialize, it would likely require at least a second-round pick. The compensation for the other candidates would be significantly lower.

Brissett is a logical choice, given his experience starting a full season for Reich (Colts, 2019) and his uncertain future with the Cardinals. His starting record is only 20-45, but he has demonstrated solid play at times. After stepping in for Murray in Week 6, he led the league in completions, was second in passing yards, and tied for third in passing touchdowns for the remainder of last season. He might be attainable for a Day 3 draft pick. Brissett also shares a close relationship with Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells, who in turn is close with Glenn, suggesting a potential connection.

Carr, 34, who has hinted at coming out of retirement, enjoyed some of his career’s most productive years when Musgrave served as his offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders. However, significant questions remain: What is the condition of his right shoulder, an injury so severe in 2024 that it prompted his retirement? How would he perform after a full year away from the game? The New Orleans Saints still hold his contractual rights.

Levis, who underwent season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder last July, and McKee both have one year remaining on their rookie deals. McKee’s strong performances in two inconsequential late-season starts have likely driven up the Eagles’ asking price.

Dalton, 38, who played under Reich with the 2023 Carolina Panthers, could serve as a contingency option for a backup role.

From any perspective, the Jets face a challenging quarterback landscape.

“There’s no guaranteed solution out there,” the personnel executive concluded. “They’re going to need a stroke of luck.”