Call the G.O.A.T! Top five free-agent QB options for New York Jets

The 46-year-old has flip-flopped once on retirement but insists this time it's for good. Star-crossed Jets fans can dream, though, can't they?

Even though his Tampa Bay Buccaneers stumbled last season, Brady threw for 4,694 yards. He's only two seasons removed from a career-best 5,316 passing yards. The Jets offense is built to accommodate a poised, veteran quarterback. At the very least, New York should inquire about his availability.

If Brady stays retired, here are the other options on the market (in inverse order) to either back up or replace underwhelming QB1 Zach Wilson for the Jets:

4. Nick Foles

Even though the 34-year-old Foles struggled mightily in two starts for the Indianapolis Colts last season, he's no stranger to coming off the bench and replacing an injured star. Late in the 2017 season, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a torn ACL. Foles seamlessly took his place and led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

3. Joe Flacco

No one could grasp the Jets playbook quicker than the 38-year-old Flacco, who spent the past three seasons in New York. It's true that he lost eight of his nine starts for the Jets, but the Super Bowl XLVII champion can still be a steady hand to guide Wilson. The big negative is that he's a statue in the pocket. 

2. Matt Ryan

The 38-year-old Ryan is a game analyst for CBS Sports, but he has made it clear he isn't retired. He was given a tough task late in his career trying to lead circuses in Atlanta and Indianapolis. It would be interesting to see how the 2016 MVP could perform with an elite defense, a luxury he didn't have in Atlanta.

1. Carson Wentz

The 30-year-old Wentz is arguably the best-equipped quarterback on this list to start a game as early as this week. He would be joining his fourth team in the past four seasons after burning bridges in Philadelphia, Indianapolis and Washington. When he's at his best, Wentz can run up the scoreboard. With the Jets personnel, he would have his most talented offense since his time with the Eagles from 2016-20.

Per ESPN's Bill Barnwell, "He has played his way off three teams in three years without leaving many allies in Philadelphia, Indianapolis or Washington, but he still has an NFL-caliber arm and is two years removed from commanding meaningful draft capital in a pair of deals."

None of these options are great, but the Jets are built for a playoff run. They deserve better than Wilson, who last season refused to accept accountability for a 10-3 loss.