The New York Jets have been busy this offseason, shaking things up by bringing Geno Smith back into the fold as their starting quarterback. This move gives Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey a seasoned leader under center for the 2026 campaign. But the quarterback puzzle isn't fully solved just yet.
After trading Justin Fields, the Jets find themselves without a solid backup. Andy Dalton seemed like a natural fit due to his history with Frank Reich, but that ship has sailed with Dalton now heading to the Eagles.
So, where do the Jets turn next? Let's dive into six potential backup quarterback options still on the table.
Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor might be the Jets' best bet, as he's already familiar with the team. Having served as the backup for the past two seasons and stepping in for four starts last year, Taylor is a respected figure in the locker room.
The door seems open for his return, but his injury history is a concern. When healthy, though, Taylor is a reliable veteran who can keep the offense on track.
Even if the Jets bring in another quarterback, Taylor's experience makes him a strong candidate.
Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz has been linked to the Jets, thanks to his connection with offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Their history in Philadelphia and Indianapolis makes Wentz a logical fit.
However, recent developments have cooled the momentum on this front. While Wentz's experience and familiarity with Reich are assets, the Jets seem to be exploring other avenues more actively now.
Will Levis
Turning to the trade market, Will Levis from the Tennessee Titans is an intriguing option. Drafted in the second round in 2023, Levis showed promise before a shoulder injury sidelined him for all of 2025.
With his rookie contract nearing its end, Levis could be a low-risk, high-reward gamble. He brings youth and starting experience, and acquiring him might not cost much more than a Day 3 pick.
Pairing him with a seasoned veteran could be the ideal scenario.
Tanner McKee
Tanner McKee is another trade possibility. While the Eagles aren't eager to part with him, the addition of Dalton might make McKee slightly more available.
With just two career starts, McKee has impressed in limited action and garnered league-wide interest. The Stanford connection with Reich adds another layer of intrigue, making McKee a potential developmental project with upside.
Cooper Rush
In the free-agent market, Cooper Rush stands out as a seasoned backup. With experience primarily from his time with the Dallas Cowboys, Rush has started 14 games over seven seasons.
Last year, he backed up Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, but struggled in limited action. Though not the most exciting choice, Rush's experience makes him a name worth considering for the Jets as they look to fill out their quarterback depth.
Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco is another familiar face for the Jets. Coming off a Pro Bowl season split between the Browns and Bengals, Flacco proved he can still perform as a backup.
However, a reunion seems unlikely, as Flacco might find more appealing opportunities elsewhere. The Jets might also consider other veterans like Russell Wilson or Jimmy Garoppolo, but those options seem less probable given their potential demands for better roles.
Beyond these names, the market thins out quickly, highlighting the challenge the Jets face in securing a dependable backup quarterback.