Jets Considered Carson Wentz Pursuit

Forget, for a moment, New York’s lack of a young, long-term starter. Its collection of 2027 draft capital (three first-round picks) is all but certain to result in a new franchise quarterback in roughly 10 months. But even in the short term, the Jets are perilously thin at quarterback behind Smith.

Former Patriot Bailey Zappe, who has not started a game since 2023, served as the primary backup in spring practices with fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik behind him. The team also has 2025 UDFA Brady Cook, who started four games as a rookie amid injuries to both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor.

Seemingly, the Jets’ quarterback room could use another veteran in case of another round of injuries (or Smith’s inability to bounce back from a rough 2025 campaign).

As it turns out, the team considered adding Carson Wentz this offseason, but “never seriously pursued [him]”, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Rosenblatt adds that the same is true of Russell Wilson, though previous reports indicate that the Jets did extend an offer to the now-retired quarterback.

In New York, Wentz, 33, would have reunited with his onetime head coach in Indianapolis, Frank Reich, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. Reich’s Colts traded first- and third-rounders to the Eagles for Wentz back in 2021 and installed him as their starter for the season. He played reasonably well, especially relative to his struggles the year before, but could not return to the form that made him an MVP candidate for parts of his tenure in Philadelphia. A disastrous Week 18 loss to the then-lowly Jaguars cost the Colts a playoff spot, and late owner Jim Irsay led the push for the team to move on from its 2021 QB starter.

Wentz instead returned to Minnesota, where he is poised to be the third-string quarterback behind Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, who are competing for the starting job. The Jets, meanwhile, may still add another veteran, per Rosenblatt. The ranks of available veterans has thinned significantly – Cooper Rush and Josh Dobbs are available, and Jimmy Garoppolo has not submitted retirement papers yet – but plenty of teams have excess quarterback talent that could be available via trade or waivers in the coming months.

No charges have been brought against Smith after an assault allegation surfaced recently, but the lack of depth behind the veteran certainly appears more concerning after that news surfaced. The rumored Wilson offer suggests an interest in upgrading, and a trade or waiver claim will be something to watch in the coming months. For now, the Jets will keep developing Klubnik, who stands to receive more reps than he would had the team added a vet this offseason.