The New York Jets are heading into another pivotal offseason, and once again, the quarterback position is front and center. With Tyrod Taylor set to hit free agency and Justin Fields expected to be released, the Jets find themselves in familiar territory-searching for stability under center.
This time around, the task of reshaping the quarterback room falls to Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn. Whether they go the draft route, the free-agent market, or both, one thing’s clear: the Jets need to find a reliable option who can either start right away or mentor a young prospect. With Oregon’s Dante Moore announcing he’ll return to school for the 2026 season, the draft pool just got a little thinner, which only raises the stakes for New York’s front office.
If the Jets opt to take a quarterback in the late first or second round, that player is almost certainly going to need time to develop. That means pairing him with a veteran makes a lot of sense. Let’s take a closer look at three potential options the Jets could pursue to help stabilize the position.
Malik Willis - Packers
Malik Willis might be the most intriguing name on the free-agent market. He’s coming off a small but efficient sample in Green Bay, where he completed nearly 86% of his passes across four games.
That stretch included 422 yards, three touchdowns, and-perhaps most importantly-zero interceptions. Those numbers may not scream "franchise quarterback," but they do suggest a player who’s taken steps forward in his development.
Willis still brings the same athleticism and arm talent that made him a high-upside draft pick. What’s changed is his poise and decision-making, which looked significantly improved in limited action.
If he’s ready for a bigger role, the Jets could be the team to give him that opportunity. He’d bring mobility, upside, and a fresh dynamic to an offense that desperately needs a spark.
Tua Tagovailoa / Kyler Murray - Dolphins / Cardinals
Two former starters who could be on the move via trade are Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray. Both quarterbacks were benched during the 2025 season, and their respective franchises may be looking to go in a different direction.
Tua’s situation is a bit more complicated due to the structure of his contract, which could make a deal harder to pull off. But if the Jets are willing to navigate those financial waters, they’d be getting a quarterback with a proven track record of accuracy and timing-based passing. When he’s on, Tua can run a high-efficiency offense.
Murray, on the other hand, might be the more straightforward option. His contract is easier to move, and despite the ups and downs, he still offers dual-threat ability and starting-caliber talent. If the Jets are looking for a veteran who can come in and compete right away-or even serve as a bridge while a rookie develops-Murray could be a strong fit.
Mitch Trubisky - Bills
If the Jets are looking for a more affordable, lower-risk veteran, Mitch Trubisky is a name to watch. He’s not going to generate the same buzz as Willis, Tua, or Murray, but he did just torch the Jets’ defense in Week 18 to the tune of 259 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout win.
Trubisky has had an up-and-down career, but he's also been in a variety of systems and has seen just about everything the league can throw at a quarterback. He could serve as a capable mentor for a young draft pick while also giving the Jets a steady hand if needed. Think of him as a safety net-maybe not the long-term answer, but someone who can help stabilize the position in the short term.
The Jets have options, but the challenge will be finding the right combination of experience, upside, and fit. Whether it’s taking a swing on a high-ceiling player like Willis, making a bold move for a former starter like Murray or Tagovailoa, or bringing in a steady vet like Trubisky, the front office has to get this right. Because after another season of quarterback uncertainty, Jets fans are ready for a change-and this offseason might finally be the one that delivers it.