Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Could Titans' Ryan Tannehill replace Jets' Zach Wilson?

A familiar name is once again being linked with the New York Jets as quarterback Zach Wilson continues to struggle while serving as the first-choice replacement for the injured Aaron Rodgers.

For a piece published Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano suggested the Jets could pursue current Tennessee Titans starter Ryan Tannehill.

"He has a connection with Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing, a former Titans play-caller," Fowler said about Tannehill. "His $27M salary is modest for a reputable NFL starter. And the Jets just need someone who can get the ball to (star wide receiver) Garrett Wilson on third down. Tannehill can get that done."

The Jets reportedly were "much higher" on Tannehill back in February than some thought at that time but ultimately landed Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in late April. Rodgers went down with a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1, and the Jets have since fallen to 1-2 with Zach Wilson atop the depth chart. 

It was reported this week that Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings isn't a realistic option for the Jets heading into the first Sunday of October. Fowler mentioned that Tannehill would "cost less draft capital" than Cousins in a potential trade, and Graziano added Tannehill would "be a lot easier to get" of the two veterans. 

Tannehill turned 35 years old this summer, is in the final year of his contract, has failed to impress for the 1-2 Titans and shares a quarterback room with both 2022 third-round draft pick Malik Willis and 2023 second-round draft choice Will Levis. Per ESPN stats, Tannehill ended Week 3 ranked 32nd out of 34 qualified players with a 27.9 adjusted QBR, and he tossed one touchdown with three interceptions across the campaign's first three games. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh may face a locker-room mutiny as soon as Monday morning if Zach Wilson produces another stinker at home against the 2-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. Tannehill is, on paper, better than both unproven backup Tim Boyle and journeyman Trevor Siemian, so the Jets could and maybe should give Tennessee a call if Gang Green falls to 1-3. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump

Want more NFL news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.