The New York Jets are heading into another pivotal offseason, and once again, the quarterback position is front and center. After the Justin Fields experiment fizzled in 2025, new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are tasked with finding stability under center-no small feat in a year where the draft class is thin on surefire QB talent. That means veteran options aren’t just on the table-they might be the most realistic path forward.
All signs point to the Jets leaning into familiarity as they explore their options. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich brings with him a web of past connections, and two names that jump out are Kirk Cousins and Jacoby Brissett-both of whom Reich has worked with before. If either hits the market, expect New York to at least kick the tires.
But there’s another name floating around that could shake things up: Derek Carr. According to national reports, the former Raiders and Saints quarterback is considering a return to the NFL after stepping away from the game.
The key caveat? He’s only interested if the fit is right-specifically, with a coaching staff he trusts.
That’s where things get interesting for the Jets.
New quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave has a history with Carr that dates back to the QB’s early years in Oakland. Musgrave served as Carr’s offensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016-seasons that marked a major turning point in Carr’s development.
In 2015, his second year in the league and first under Musgrave, Carr threw a career-high 32 touchdown passes and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. That season remains one of the most productive of his career, and it laid the groundwork for his reputation as a reliable, if not elite, NFL starter.
Carr has spoken highly of Musgrave over the years, and that mutual respect could be a key factor if he decides to return. With Musgrave now in the fold and the Jets actively searching for a veteran presence, the dots are easy to connect. It’s far from a done deal, but there’s a real scenario where Carr views New York as the right landing spot-especially if he believes he can recapture some of that 2015 magic with Musgrave calling the shots in the quarterback room.
For the Jets, who haven’t had consistent quarterback play in what feels like forever, the idea of bringing in a seasoned veteran with a known track record and a trusted coaching connection makes a lot of sense. Whether that’s Carr, Cousins, Brissett, or someone else entirely, the goal is clear: stabilize the position, build continuity, and finally give this talented roster the quarterback it’s been missing.
The next few months will be telling. But if Derek Carr is serious about a comeback, and if the Musgrave connection still holds weight, don’t be surprised if the Jets emerge as a legitimate contender for his services.