The New York Jets’ best path at QB2

The New York Jets have their starting quarterback for the 2026 season: Geno Smith. That much is clear, as head coach Aaron Glenn made sure of it with his “promised land” comment at the NFL’s owners meetings, generating national headlines.

The team’s plan behind Smith, though, remains unclear. Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook are the other signal callers currently on the roster, and it is unexpected that either one will serve as Gang Green’s primary backup.

There are still veteran options available if the Jets want a proven presence behind Smith. The other option is the draft, where they could target a developmental QB with upside.

What isn’t an option, however, is standing pat.

Here is how the Jets should fill their void at QB2.

Jets should target a Day 3 QB who fits Frank Reich’s mold for QB2

While names like Spencer Rattler and Will Levis have been floated as potential trade options, both have struggled mightily at the NFL level. The Jets would be better served keeping their assets and targeting a late-round quarterback in this year’s NFL draft who fits Frank Reich’s mold rather than taking on a reclamation project.

Even the remaining free agent pool isn’t inspiring. Re-signing Tyrod Taylor might seem logical on the surface, given his long-standing reputation as one of the league’s best backup QBs, but the team should look elsewhere. Entering his age-37 season and coming off a season where he missed multiple opportunities to start due to injury, it wouldn’t make much sense. The Jets need a QB2 who can stay on the field if called upon.

Cooper Rush is a known commodity, but after a rough run in Baltimore last season, stepping into a starting role at 32, he doesn’t move the needle.

The smarter play is looking to Day 3 of the draft. It is a cost-effective way to add a quarterback with developmental upside, and more importantly, one who fits what Reich values at the position. Late round QB prospects like Drew Allar, Sawyer Robertson, and Taylen Green all check key boxes, offering size, arm talent, and traits worth developing behind Smith.

At QB3, the Jets can still keep around a veteran presence like Zappe, who has made nine starts over three NFL seasons and posted a 4-5 record.

Overall, going young at QB2 through the draft’s later rounds is much more cohesive with the Jets’ overall vision than recycling an aging veteran like Taylor.