One of the New York Jets‘ main problems this past season was that they didn’t sign a competent backup quarterback they could lean on if Aaron Rodgers got hurt, leading to an unwanted carousel. Here are five options for the Jets through free agency and the draft.
5 Backup Quarterbacks the Jets Should Target
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
This one makes the most sense for a number of reasons. For one, Ryan Tannehill has the best resume of any quarterback on this list, as he led the Titans to numerous playoff berths as their starter, but he has also dealt with injuries and as Tennessee turns to Will Levis as their franchise signal caller, Tannehill should look elsewhere for work. The Jets also have some former Titans on their staff, such as offensive line coach Keith Carter and running backs coach Tony Dews, so there is some familiarity on the field. After dealing with Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian as their backups last season and Wilson, Mike White, and Chris Streveler the year prior, the Jets need a serviceable backup, and Tannehill has the pedigree to be that.
Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland Browns
If Tannehill signs elsewhere, Jacoby Brissett should be their next target. He was never seen as a long-term starter on his respective teams, but he has been one of the more high-level backup quarterbacks in football his whole career. He most recently played for the Washington Commanders, where he took over for Sam Howell late in the season, but he also started double-digit games in Cleveland and Indianapolis. In a Week 16 where the Commanders benched Howell, the Jets got a first-hand look at their potential backup quarterback, who threw for 100 yards and a touchdown, and he is exactly what the Jets should be looking for.
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
This is probably the most popular option among quarterbacks for the Jets, as Gardner Minshew nearly led the Colts to a playoff appearance after Anthony Richardson went down with a shoulder injury. He was just selected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate and has performed well when he was a regular starter. However, there are two issues when it comes to signing Minshew. One is the money. Minshew has leverage in free agency with his resume, a Pro Bowl season and a near playoff appearance will work in Minshew’s favor when negotiating a deal. The Jets have too many holes on their roster to splurge on a backup quarterback, and there’s no guarantee that he accepts a backup role, which brings me to my next point. Minshew is likely going to want a starting job wherever he goes, and as long as Aaron Rodgers is playing, he won’t get that in New York. Minshew Mania in New York would be fun to see, but I just don’t see it happening.
Jordan Travis, Florida State
The Jets could also look at a backup quarterback in the draft, and Jordan Travis is by far the best option for them. He unfortunately broke his leg right before the playoffs, but he was having a Heisman-type season for the Seminoles, and his stock is likely going to fall because of it, which works in the Jets’ favor. New York doesn’t have a long-term option behind Rodgers as Zach Wilson is likely going to get traded soon, so it makes sense to groom Travis behind Rodgers in the hope that he turns into Jordan Love for them.
Joe Milton, Tennessee
Joe Milton is another popular name for the Jets. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 235 pounds, Milton is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in college football. He can throw 60 yards down the field like it’s nothing and he can also move outside the pocket. His build is similar to that of Anthony Richardson, and if his combine is anything like Richardson’s, the Jets should be all over him in the mid to later rounds. Milton is an older prospect at 23 but is an ideal backup option. If the Jets can develop him the right way, they could very well have Rodgers’ successor.
More must-reads: