Jets again linked with Titans' Ryan Tannehill after Aaron Rodgers injury

The 1-0 New York Jets are rolling with previously demoted quarterback Zach Wilson for this Sunday's game at the 1-0 Dallas Cowboys after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn Achilles on Monday night.

Gang Green may not stay with Wilson for long if the advertised Super Bowl contender falls to the basement of the division standings by the end of the month. 

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

"A few teams had the impression this offseason that Tannehill was available for a trade before the draft," Fowler explained. "Either way, the sensible play is the Jets give Wilson a few weeks of runway to show improvement. Then, they can always add a low-cost option in free agency or closer to the trade deadline." 

It was reported back in February that the Jets were "much higher" on Tannehill at that time "than some want to believe." Of course, New York instead officially landed Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in late April. 

Tannehill turned 35 years old this summer and is in the final year of his contract. He struggled mightily in this past Sunday's 16-15 loss at the New Orleans Saints, and the Titans understandably may want to see what 2022 third-round draft pick Malik Willis and/or 2023 second-round draft choice Will Levis can do if they have a losing record when they enter their bye after a Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Fowler and Graziano also named Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams as a possible option for the Jets. While the Jets reportedly inquired with the Rams about Stafford's services this past offseason, that was before the 35-year-old guided Los Angeles to a Week 1 30-13 victory at the Seattle Seahawks.

"...When I was at Rams camp, I didn't get the sense the Rams were eager to move Stafford," Graziano added. "Plus, they just won their opener over a division rival, and it could be a while before they're ready to give up on their season, if they ever are. Add in the fact that Stafford has $31M in guaranteed salary for 2024, and bringing him in basically means giving up on a Rodgers return." 

The previously mentioned Wilson is temporarily atop the Jets' depth chart and can silence trade talk with solid performances versus Dallas this weekend and against the New England Patriots on Sept. 24. If he doesn't, New York could quickly consider Tannehill to be an upgrade at the sport's most important position.