Jets' Best Long-Term Options at QB to Replace Aaron Rodgers
Two things became clear for the New York Jets quarterback situation in 2023: They can't rely on Aaron Rodgers to become the long-term solution and the answer isn't on the roster.
It took just four plays for Rodgers' season to be over this year. The veteran quarterback tore his Achilles early in his debut with the team after the Jets traded multiple draft picks to land the three-time MVP.
On one hand, it was a bit of a freak injury. On the other, those can happen when you are playing a 40-year-old quarterback.
Unfortunately, the Jets also found out that Zach Wilson is definitely not the answer. The former No. 2 overall pick once again had an opportunity to show he could live up to the potential they saw in him in 2021 and he posted a 30.2 QBR while going 4-7 in 11 starts.
So the question becomes what options the Jets have in finding a quarterback for the next era. There's still a lot of hope in the Jets being able to put together a Super Bowl run in 2024, but they need to have a long-term plan.
Here are three of the best options heading into the offseason.
2024 NFL Draft: QB Cameron Ward, Washington State
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The Jets could certainly decide to add a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft. The problem is that they shouldn't really be looking to do so with their first pick.
With just one week left of games, the Jets are currently slated to pick No. 8 in April. It's not early enough to grab one of the top two quarterbacks and picking someone like Jayden Daniels or another quarterback would be a mistake because they need to find someone who can help them make a playoff run in 2024.
However, targeting a quarterback in the third round or beyond could make sense.
Coincidentally, an intriguing developmental prospect just entered his name in the draft pool. Cam Ward entered the transfer portal, but ultimately announced that he'll be actually begin preparing for the 2024 NFL draft.
Ward is going to be a really young prospect. He's only 21 years old and started for a year at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State for the last two seasons.
Ward is an exciting athlete who has shown the ability to make off-script plays and an arm that provides plenty of zip to make NFL-caliber throws. However, he's still relatively raw and will need some time learning to run an NFL offense.
That makes him the perfect dart throw at quarterback for the Jets. He can sit for a year or two watching Rodgers prepare for and perform in games before taking the reins.
Trade: QB Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
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Again, the Jets can't really afford to use their top 10 pick on a quarterback. They have to give Rodgers the best chance to compete when he makes his return in 2024.
But targeting another quarterback with a trade could be a way to bring on Rodgers successor.
To do that, the Jets would need to identify a young quarterback who could be worth developing, but would also be available via trade.
Sam Howell has had an up-and-down season in Washington. He won the starting job in training camp and was leading the league in passing yards for a large portion of the year. Then his play declined so rapidly that he was benched for Jacoby Brissett.
Now he's back to starting because Brissett will miss the season finale with a hamstring injury. Regardless of who has been at quarterback the Commanders have just not been very good. they are now in position to potentially have the second pick in the draft and could have an opportunity to draft one of the top quarterback prospects in the class.
That could leave the Commanders in a position to trade Howell while his stock is relatively high. After watching a season of players like Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle struggle this season, Howell would at least be a high-ceiling backup.
Wait Until 2025 NFL Draft
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Drafting a developmental quarterback like Cameron Ward or trading for someone like Sam Howell would be nice options, but there's also the option of simply waiting until the 2025 NFL draft to address the position is a fine option too.
Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers and J.J. McCarthy could be some of the early names to watch, but there are certainly going to be others who emerge as intriguing options.
If this is the route the Jets are going to go then finding a quality backup quarterback in free agency will be vital this offseason. A player like Gardner Minshew or Jameis Winston who could come in and win games is an absolute must.
Rodgers is unquestionably the starter in 2024 and he's already under contract for 2025. So while the Jets have to make sure their backup quarterback situation is better next season there isn't necessarily a huge rush to find the next starting quarterback.
Signing a veteran for the job in 2024 and looking to add their real long-term option through the 2025 draft when they will have their full complement of draft selections might just be the best plan of the bunch.
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