As free agency and the draft approach, the Jets find themselves in a quarterback conundrum. With the No. 2 pick in April’s draft, they face a tough decision. After Fernando Mendoza, expected to go first overall to the Raiders, the quarterback talent pool thins considerably.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah weighed in during a recent conference call, suggesting the Jets should steer clear of drafting a quarterback with any of their top picks (No. 2, 16, 33, and 44). Instead, he advocates for exploring the trade market, eyeing players like Eagles backup Tanner McKee or Texans’ backup Davis Mills.
“Those are a couple of guys I’d be curious about taking a flyer on for a year if you can trade a mid-round pick,” Jeremiah noted. “I don’t think I would lean in the direction of the draft for their quarterback this year. I think they will be all in for that next year.”
The Jets are expected to release Justin Fields, who was signed to a two-year, $40 million deal last March, after a disappointing 2-7 record as a starter. Fields’ QBR was a mere 38.7, with 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception.
Coming off a 3-14 season, the Jets have options for a veteran quarterback. Free agency presents names like Kirk Cousins and Malik Willis, but the market lacks high-upside long-term solutions, making trades a viable alternative.
Tanner McKee, 25, has limited experience with the Eagles, completing 61.4% of his passes with five touchdowns and one interception. Known for his accuracy, McKee could fit well with the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich. With one year left on his rookie contract, the Eagles might be open to dealing him.
Davis Mills, 27, has been with the Texans for five seasons, starting 29 games. He’s under contract for $6 million after a recent extension.
Mills was the Texans' starter before C.J. Stroud's arrival in 2023.
Last season, Mills stepped up during Stroud’s injury, leading Houston to three consecutive wins, sparking a nine-game streak.
Mills has been a steady game manager, a quality the Jets could use. However, the Texans may be hesitant to trade him given Stroud’s playoff struggles.
The trade value for McKee or Mills remains uncertain. Jeremiah emphasizes focusing on the offensive and defensive lines in the draft, with an eye on the 2027 quarterback class, which could feature talents like Arch Manning and Dante Moore.
“If you go into next year with a bunch of picks and your offensive and defensive lines are in good shape, and you can find your quarterback of the future at that point in time,” Jeremiah explained. “Who knows, maybe you hit the lottery on one of those younger veterans you could try to get.”
In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah has the Jets picking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the second overall pick. With the Jets finishing last season with the second-fewest sacks, Bailey’s selection makes sense.
Bailey, a 6-3, 250-pound force, transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech, where he showcased his ability as an every-down player, amassing 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 19.5 tackles for loss in 14 games.
“David Bailey provides a bit more certainty,” Jeremiah said. “You’ve seen him play out there, you’ve seen the production. I think it’s pretty easy to see how that translates, and there are teams that’re going to have him as the top guy.”
The Jets have some big decisions ahead, and the direction they choose could shape their future for years to come.