The New York Jets have not added a quarterback in the days since Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles’ injury four snaps into his career with the team.
Various reports have indicated that New York has reached out to those on the free-agent market. Among the names available include Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, Colt McCoy, Joe Flacco and Nick Foles. It’s not a great list of veterans to potentially come in and back up new QB1 Zach Wilson.
We’re now hearing another name bandied about. It’s someone who has not suited up since the 2021 season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler linked two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger to the Jets.
Related: Love Fantasy Sports? Get Top FREE Insights From One Of The World’s Best Players Today!
While this may seem to come out of left field, Big Ben admitted nearly signing with the San Francsico 49ers late last season after they suffered through a plethora of injuries at quarterback.
“They were, I think, reaching out maybe just to gauge my interest. I had discussions. … I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was a small part of me that was intrigued. I could still do it and prove to people that I could still play. At the end of the day, I just can’t see myself in anything other than black and gold.”
Ben Roethlisberger on potentially coming out of retirement back in March
For their part, the Jets have said everything right about their trust in Wilson taking over for Rodgers.
“I want to make it very clear — Zach (Wilson) is our quarterback. We have a lot of faith in Zach, and we are really excited about this opportunity. We are rolling with Zach, and we are excited for him and this opportunity he is going to get,” New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh after Aaron Rodgers’ injury.
This comes with reports that Tom Brady is not interested in coming out of retirement. Meanwhile, former Super Bowl quarterback Colin Kaepernick said his agent reached out to the Jets. As of now, there is no interest in the free agent from New York.
Related: Top NFL Week 2 storylines: Where the New York Jets go from here
Ben Roethlisberger as an option for the New York Jets
While New York is publicly supporting Wilson as its new starter, it must be noted that the team was quick to move on from him after a disastrous 2022 season on the part of the young quarterback (6 TD, 7 INT).
The Jets had interest in multiple quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford, before acquiring Rodgers in a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers during the spring.
New York is built to win right now. If the team’s brass sees struggles on the part of Wilson starting Sunday against a dominant Dallas Cowboys defense, it would not be a surprise to see the Jets kick the tires on other options.
Roethlisberger, 41, earned two Super Bowl titles during his brilliant career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The future first ballot Hall of Famer ranks fifth in NFL history in passing yards (64,088) and eighth in passing touchdowns (418). In his last season with Pittsburgh, Big Ben completed 65% of his passes for 3,740 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.