While the New York Jets are part of the NFL quarterback carousel this offseason, the team is not expected to land one of the top signal-callers in NFL free agency. However, with a new regime in charge, it does appear as if the club will take a smart approach to creating a culture while planning for the future.
New York could’ve kept Aaron Rodgers, who would’ve provided stable play now two years removed from a ruptured Achilles. However, head coach Aaron Glenn wanted to turn the page at quarterback with someone who could help set the culture without potentially getting in the way of a young signal-caller.
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As things currently stand, Tyrod Taylor would be the Jets starting quarterback in 2025. Not only is he well-liked in the locker room and trusted by the new regime, but the veteran passer also sports a 94.1 QB rating with an 8-3 TD-INT ratio and 64.8 percent completion rate in 13 games over the last two seasons. He will factor into a quarterback competition, but there will be significant competition.
According to Connor Hughes of SportsNet New York, the Jets are “likely” to pair Taylor with a second-tier quarterback added via NFL free agency. Among the potential targets for New York, per Hughes, are Justin Fields, Marcus Mariota and Carson Wentz.
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There will be plenty of competition for Fields. NFL rumors coming out of Indianapolis this past week made it clear he’s the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preferred option. Even if the Steelers can’t sign him, he’s on the radar of the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts.
Mariota, age 31, could be a very compelling option for New York. Serving as the backup to Jayden Daniels last season, Mariota played well in very limited snaps – 131.2 QB rating, 4-0 TD-INT and 77.3 percent completion rate – on 44 attempts.
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Once a veteran quarterback is added, per Hughes, the Jets would reportedly take a quarterback on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. It would likely be a developmental year for the rookie, with Taylor and another veteran competing for the starting job in training camp while the rookie handles a majority of the preseason reps.
By taking this approach, New York will have a veteran starter who can serve as a game manager with a talented supporting cast and a quality defense around them. It won’t put the Jets in playoff contention, but it would keep the team competitive as they work to build for the future.
