FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — With solely 11 phrases, New York Jets proprietor Woody Johnson delivered a not-so-subtle message to basic supervisor Joe Douglas.
“[We] want a backup quarterback,” Johnson instructed reporters on the latest NFL Honors in Las Vegas. “We did not have one final 12 months.”
Translation: Eliminate Zach Wilson and usher in a brand new understudy for Aaron Rodgers.
Half the GMs within the league can be within the QB2 market this offseason, setting the stage for a head-spinning carousel of change. The necessity outweighs the provision, so it can get costly, however the Jets — entrenched in win-now mode — cannot afford to scrimp.
The problem is discovering the fitting match. One veteran quarterback instructed ESPN it will likely be troublesome to persuade a top-tier backup to play for the Jets, figuring out there isn’t any likelihood to supplant a wholesome Rodgers. The one path to enjoying time is by way of damage — although the damage issue is actual contemplating his age (40) and what occurred Sept. 11 when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles damage in his Jets debut.
With Wilson main the way in which, the group received 4 video games in his 11 begins en path to a 7-10 report. Due to salary-cap restraints, the drop off between starter and backup within the NFL is critical. However, the Jets could be committing roster-building malpractice in the event that they depart themselves uncovered.
“I might say by way of a veteran backup, that is a excessive chance,” Douglas stated.
Who’s out there? A take a look at their choices:
Free brokers (2023 group)
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (2023: 1,616 yards, 64.8% completion charge, 35.1 Complete QBR)
Tannehill, 35, is the best choice as a result of he is a confirmed winner (81-70 as a starter) and has a background with Jets passing-game coordinator Todd Downing, previously the Titans’ offensive coordinator. However he may be capable to snag a beginning job elsewhere. If that falls by way of, the Jets needs to be on the entrance of the road for his providers.
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts (3,305 yards, 62.2% completion charge, 59.7 QBR)
Minshew fell simply in need of rallying the Colts to a playoff berth after Anthony Richardson’s season-ending damage. Minshew went 7-6, ending thirteenth in QBR amongst certified passers and making the Professional Bowl as a alternative. He can be coveted by groups in search of a bridge starter or a QB2 that may push the starter. He made solely $3.5 million in 2023 however may not less than double that. The Jets had their eye on him prior to now.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders (224 yards, 78.3% completion charge, 95.6 QBR)
He made a powerful impression on the Jets after coming off the bench and rallying the Commanders to 21 unanswered factors on Christmas Eve, briefly taking the lead in a sport. Washington finally misplaced, 30-28.
“He did an important job sparking their offense and getting them going,” coach Robert Saleh stated after the sport.
Brissett (18-30 as a starter) is a gentle participant who protects the ball, however he isn’t going to generate loads of massive performs. He made $8 million final season, so he will not come cheaply.
Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants (1,341 yards, 64.4% completion, 47.7 QBR)
The well-traveled Taylor, 34, is a “high-level processor that makes fast selections,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stated forward of the Giants’ sport on Oct. 29. Taylor can present starter-level play in stretches, however his drawback is staying wholesome. He has handled a number of accidents, together with damaged ribs final season suffered in opposition to the Jets.
Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers (632 yards, 62.6% completion, 34.6 QBR)
Let’s be trustworthy: Trubisky had a tough two years in Pittsburgh, the place he was benched a number of instances and launched Feb. 12. The upside: He is solely 29 and went 29-21 with the Chicago Bears, who chosen him No. 2 total in 2017. He can transfer round within the pocket, which reinforces his worth a little bit.
Different free brokers who may match: Marcus Mariota, Philadelphia Eagles; Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers; Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks; Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens.
Potential cap cuts
Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (1,205 yards, 65.1% completion, 33.9 QBR)
Garoppolo is predicted to be launched earlier than March 18, when an $11.3 million roster bonus is due, and he is going through a two-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances coverage. Taking part in on a surgically repaired foot, he misplaced his beginning job to rookie Aidan O’Connell final season. Garoppolo’s star has dimmed since his 49ers days, however he is an environment friendly system quarterback with big-game expertise. Sturdiness is a priority. Saleh is acquainted with him due to their time collectively in San Francisco, when Saleh was the group’s defensive coordinator.
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Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys (144 yards, 75% completion, 52.1 QBR)
Rush may shake free as a result of the Cowboys owe fellow backup Trey Lance a $5.3 million assure. Rush, 30, hasn’t performed loads of soccer, which makes him dangerous, however he did go 4-1 because the starter when Dak Prescott went down in 2022. As a consequence of make $2.3 million, Rush is a cheap possibility.
Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons (890 yards, 54.4% completion charge, 47.7 QBR)
Heinicke, with a $1.3 million roster bonus due March 18, may very well be the odd-man out if the brand new teaching workers remakes the quarterback depth chart. Heinicke (13-15-1) can present a short-term spark, as he did in Washington at instances from 2020 to 2022.
Mike White, Miami Dolphins (74 yards, 83.3%, 0.1 QBR)
Likelihood is, he isn’t going anyplace, however would not or not it’s fascinating if the Dolphins, with main cap points, reduce him free to avoid wasting $3.5 million? White was a darling amongst Jets’ followers in 2021 and when he changed Wilson in 2022, although a rib damage derailed him. Saleh and Douglas like him so much. Once more, it is a lengthy shot, however by no means say “by no means” within the NFL.
Different potential cap cuts: Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers; Case Keenum, Houston Texans.