Jets After Rodgers: Will They Target a Veteran Stopgap or Draft a New Franchise QB?

The New York Jets’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster that ended far short of expectations, with a 5-12 record. After the highly publicized acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, hopes were sky-high, but those hopes were dashed when Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles tendon just four snaps into the season. Now, as the Jets head into the 2025 offseason, they face a crucial question: how do they address the quarterback position? Will they look to a veteran to keep the seat warm, or will they invest in a rookie who could be the future of the franchise?

The Veteran Stopgap Route

One option for the Jets is to bring in a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap while they develop a young player or wait for a more favorable draft class. Several names have been floated as potential targets.

Tyrod Taylor: Currently on the Jets’ roster, Taylor is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience. He’s familiar with the Jets’ system and could provide a steady presence under center. According to Sportskeeda, some within the Jets organization are “ready to go” with Taylor as the starter in Week 1.
Russell Wilson: After a disappointing stint with the Denver Broncos, Wilson could be looking for a fresh start. His Super Bowl-winning experience and playmaking ability could be attractive to the Jets.
Justin Fields: Fields’ future with the Chicago Bears is uncertain, and he could be available via trade. His athleticism and potential could intrigue the Jets, but his accuracy and decision-making need improvement.
Kirk Cousins: If Cousins becomes available, he could be a target for the Jets.

Drafting a New Franchise QB

The Jets could also choose to use the 2025 NFL Draft to find their next franchise quarterback. With the No. 7 overall pick, they may be in range for some of the top prospects, though a trade-up might be necessary to secure their guy.

Cam Ward (Miami): Ward is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has impressed with his arm talent and accuracy.
Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Dart is another intriguing prospect who could be available on Day 2 of the draft.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe is viewed as a project due to accuracy and ball security concerns.

The Hybrid Approach

Some analysts believe the best approach for the Jets might be a combination of both strategies: signing a veteran to start in the short term while drafting a quarterback to develop for the future. This would provide stability and experience while also investing in the long-term future of the position.

Jets’ Draft Prospect Meetings

At the NFL Combine, the Jets have been actively meeting with several quarterback prospects, including Kyle McCord, Cam Ward, Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe. Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London even put Alabama’s Jalen Milroe through an individual workout.

The Current Roster

Currently, the Jets’ quarterback depth chart includes Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis, and Adrian Martinez. Travis, drafted in 2024, is recovering from an injury.

A Look Back

It’s worth remembering that the Jets’ recent history at the quarterback position has been turbulent. The Zach Wilson era did not pan out as hoped, and the team is still searching for a long-term solution. The ghost of quarterbacks past haunts the franchise.

The Road Ahead

The Jets’ decision at quarterback will be one of the most important of the offseason. Whether they opt for a veteran, a rookie, or a combination of both, the goal is clear: find a quarterback who can lead the team back to contention. The Jets’ front office, led by general manager Darren Mougey, faces a critical task in evaluating the options and making the right choice for the future of the franchise.