New York Jets' options for Aaron Rodgers' backup/Zach Wilson replacement

The New York Jets have a ton of areas of weakness heading into the 2024 offseason, but one of their more under-appreciated needs coming up is a backup quarterback. The lack of a competent reserve signal-caller in 2023 doomed the Jets to their 13th straight year without a playoff appearance. With 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles injury and a third straight year of nothing from Zach Wilson, the Jets need to prioritize a designated survivor if Rodgers does go down again. Jets owner Woody Johnson said as much during the NFL Honors.

“[We] need a backup quarterback,” Johnson said, per ESPN. “We didn’t have one last year.”

Before the offseason officially kicks off, here are some of the best free-agent backups New York could go after.

2023 team: Washington Commanders

Brissett is likely one of the best backup options on the market if he doesn’t command a stopgap starting role for a team like New England. The 2016 third-rounder didn’t play a ton for the Washington Commanders, but the last time he played meaningful games as a started, he excelled. During the 11 games Brissett played with the Cleveland Browns in 2022, he finished top-ten in the league in passing DVOA.

2023 team: New York Giants

We’ve previously detailed just how good Tyrod Taylor can be when he gets a chance to step in. The journeyman has been a winner with every team he has played for; his 28-28-1 record is one of the best among career backups. Plus, Taylor wouldn’t even have to move or change up his routine.

2023 team: Indianapolis Colts

Minshew held his own when Anthony Richardson went down with a season-ending injury, playing well enough to get the Indianapolis Colts to a win-and-in playoff scenario in Week 18. Minshew has shown competency whenever he’s been given an opportunity to start, mainly in Indianapolis and his early tenure in Jacksonville.

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks

Backup quarterbacks should be able to add some additional wrinkle to the equation. It helps a quarterback still give defenses headaches without having the same skill level as the starter they replace. For Lock, that wrinkle comes in the deep ball. Lock finished the 2023 season 16th out of 51 qualifying quarterbacks in average depth of target (min. 75 pass attempts), He outpaced Geno Smith by well over a yard per pass attempt,

2023 teams: Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings

The biggest breakout backup of the 2023 season, Dobbs should be a priority backup for most teams in need of a No. 2. Dobbs’ record in Arizona wasn’t all that impressive, but the major upset over the Cowboys and a competitive bout against the 49ers made Dobbs one of the most highly sought-after backups at the trade deadline.

2023 team: Tennessee Titans

If we’re looking at the “old retread starter” market, Tannehill probably tops the list. The Tennessee quarterback’s Week 6 ankle sprain opened up the opportunity for Will Levis and Malik Willis to get some run and pivot toward a younger option. Is Tannehill still great? No, he is coming off a pretty poor year, finishing 33rd out of 48 qualifying quarterbacks in passing DVOA (min. 100 throws). Tannehill can still slot in for a game or two in a pinch.

2023 team: Cleveland Browns

If we’re going with a washed-up starter, why not go with the one you know? Flacco spent three years with the Jets. Why New York didn’t re-sign him one Rodgers went down in 2023 no one knows, but it opened up the door for Cleveland to bring him aboard. Flacco finished the 2023 season 4-1 and led the Browns to the playoffs.

2023 team: San Francisco 49ers

Speaking of former Jets… Darnold has yet to really stick in this league. He was completely left out to dry his last stint in New York, and Carolina saw some up-and-down moments. After spending a year backing up Brock Purdy and learning under San Francisco, it may be interesting how much the former No. 3 overall pick could give the Jets if called upon.

The last time the Jets made the AFC Championship Game, Sanchez was the starter... Unless you can lure Vinny Testeverde outta retirement at age 60?

Kidding, of course