The Jets have long-shot options if their top QB targets don’t work out

The Jets are in the market for a quarterback … again. This is the third and final part of a series Examining the options this season. Part Three explores some of the less likely options.

The Jets are expected to swing for the fences in search of a new quarterback, but what if they swing at the big names? There are alternatives for the Jets Beyond Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo and Derek Carr — The three names that have been linked the most this season.

Many of these running back options won’t excite the fan base Signing Rodgers would be, but the reality is Rodgers could say he wants to retire or stay in Green Bay, or the Jets could fail to pull off a trade for him. Right now, the Jets have to be open to everyone at quarterback.

Let’s take a look at some of the less common ways the Jets could fill the quarterback hole in three categories:

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Zach Wilson: The Jets have made that clear Wilson will be on the roster this year, but they do not intend to be the owner. Coach Robert Saleh joked that Wilson could surpass one of the veteran signings in training camp. Wilson will be relegated to the bench this season unless something significant changes within the Jets. Let’s talk if it can start in 2024.

Mike White: There was a shot in December that White could win the starting job in 2023. If he had played well and the Jets had made a trip to the playoffs, White could have built momentum and convinced the Jets brass to take a chance. Instead, he broke his ribs and went 1-3 as a starter and he looked like a quality backup quarterback, but not a rookie. White is scheduled to hit free agency in March. The Jets would probably bring him back as a backup, but it seems unlikely they will pay a starter, White and Wilson, who is being paid decent money as the 2021 No. 2 overall pick.

Big names

Lamar Jackson: There is skepticism that the Ravens would move on from Jackson, though things have gotten weird between the quarterback and the team last year Jackson won’t hit free agency because the Ravens will likely use the franchise tag and then try to make a deal. If a team wants to get in, it will be expensive. They’ll have to give up two first-round picks and sign Jackson to a long-term deal similar to Deshaun Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed deal.

Tom Brady: Brady has owned the Jets for years and now he can come play for them. Brady He is expected to be a free agent. He has a son in New York and has talked about wanting to be close to him, but it’s hard to imagine a marriage between Brady and the Jets. Brady’s game took a nosedive in 2022 and it seems likely that he will land with the Raiders.

Ryan Tannehill: The Titans are undergoing changes with a new general manager. Do they want to trade or cut Tannehill, who is due $36.6 million this year? Adding Tanenhill wouldn’t move the needle, but he has been successful at Tennessee.

Daniel Jones: This isn’t going to happen, but it would be a fun story if Danny Dimes left town.

Geno Smith: Reunion? Don’t count on that.

Cheap ship

Baker Mayfield: There were people who coveted Mayfield before the 2018 draft with the Jets. They are no longer on the team, but Mayfield would be an interesting option if they decide they want to make a coaching competition between a veteran quarterback and Wilson.

James Winston: Another former No. 1 pick expected to be cut by the Saints is expected to hit the market for Winston. Would the Jets bring him in to compete for the job? Probably not, but it will land somewhere in 2023.

Gardner Minshew: The Eagles backup quarterback has played well against the Jets in his career. He’s another intriguing name if the Jets settle for a quarterback competition.