Just because Aaron Rodgers is set to take over as the starter, it doesn’t mean the New York Jets’ quarterback situation is set. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Zach Wilson may not return to the Jets in 2024.
Not only could it serve the Jets well to see what type of trade compensation they can get for the former No. 2 overall pick who doesn’t turn 25 until August, but Wilson may prefer a situation where he has a chance to receive a bigger role than clipboard holder in 2024.
This means the Jets could be on the hunt for a new backup, and as they learned last season, having a reliable No. 2 QB can be one of the most important spots on the depth chart.
While there are many names likely to emerge as potential solutions, there’s one player who was recently linked to the Jets via trade.
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Team reporter admits New York Jets believe in Sam Howell
While there’s no need to trade Zach Wilson, he has a reasonable salary of $1 million, and even his $11 million cap hit is acceptable for a backup QB. Yet, if the Jets can get anything for a player set for free agency after the season ends, it’s possible they focus on finding another potential long-term solution behind Rodgers instead.
If so, players like Justin Fields could emerge, but another name brought up to New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes could be an even better long-term fit, if he’s available.
While this is not an official rumor, Hughes did admit the team’s front office would be open to a trade for Washington’s Sam Howell when his name was brought up.
“I love the idea of this (trading for Sam Howell, assuming he’s available. The Commanders could easily keep him as the backup. It’s not like this is a Sam Darnold, Justin Fields situation. If available, though, I’d prioritize him over anyone else.
Howell proved this year he can play. There are flaws to his game, but none where the season is lost if he has to play. He’s also cheaper. Howell would have a cap hit under $1 million each of the next two years — that matters to Woody Johnson and the Jets. There are those in the Jets building who believe he can play, too. Maybe two years learning behind Rodgers really unlocks his potential and he ends up being his replacement. He did throw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns on a terrible Commanders team.
The key will simply be compensation. The Jets should do this if all it takes is a pick on the third day of the draft. Howell is just as good of an insurance policy as Gardner Minshew or Jacoby Brissett.”
New York Jets reporter responding to whether there’s any internal interest in Sam Howell
The Commanders don’t have any specific reason to get rid of Howell. While they may be drafting a rookie with the second overall pick, as a former fifth-round selection, Howell’s cap hit of $1 million is a great value for a backup with starting experience, and he’s still under contract through 2025.
Yet, if Howell is even remotely available, Hughes is right in that he’d be a wise trade option for the Jets as a backup capable of stepping in when necessary.
