Insider: Jets 'much higher' on Titans' Ryan Tannehill than some think

New York Jets fans may want to start preparing themselves for disappointment regarding the club possibly trading for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason.

SNY NFL reporter Connor Hughes noted that "there’s a feeling around the NFL that the Jets are much higher" on Tennessee Titans signal-caller Ryan Tannehill "than some want to believe." 

Hughes offered that take less than 24 hours after it was learned that the Jets were naming former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing their new passing game coordinator. 

While speaking with reporters last month, new Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon declined to give Tannehill a convincing vote of confidence. 

Nick Suss of The Nashville Tennessean subsequently explained the Titans can save $27 million against the salary cap if they waive or trade Tannehill after June 1.

Tannehill turns 35 years old in July and missed five games this past season due to an ankle issue. Per ESPN stats, he ended the campaign 11th among qualified players with a 94.6 passer rating, 24th with a 49.1 total QBR, and 17th with a 65.2% completion percentage. In 12 games, Tannehill tallied 13 touchdown passes and six interceptions. 

Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tight end C.J. Uzomah have publicly campaigned for the club to trade for Rodgers. Unless Rodgers has changed his mind about an upcoming four-day "darkness retreat," he seemingly won't publicly announce his intentions for 2023 before this weekend at the earliest. 

Tannehill mentored 2022 rookie Malik Willis and presumably could serve as a bridge quarterback for the Jets while helping second-year pro Zach Wilson recover from a disastrous season. 

Audacy's Ryan Chichester pointed out Tuesday that the Jets have also been linked in stories with to-be free agents Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo. 

For what it's worth, Garoppolo has become a popular name in Jets-related rumors over the past couple of weeks.