The biggest topic of the Jets' offseason last year was who they would acquire as their starting quarterback.
One of the biggest things this year is who can support him.
The Jets successfully traded Aaron Rodgers last year after weeks of pursuit.
The move to add Rodgers didn't make much sense for the 2023 season, as Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon four plays into the season.
After losing Rodgers for the season in Week 1, the Jets' backup quarterback plan received a lot of scrutiny and criticism.
General manager Joe Douglas was criticized for keeping Zach Wilson as the No. 2 quarterback and not signing a more experienced backup last offseason or after Rodgers left.
After Rodgers was injured, the Jets ended up using three different starting QBs: Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian. None of them were memorable, and the Jets finished 7-10 despite having a top-rated defense and special teams unit. Their quarterback play weakened them and the Jets know they can't let that happen again.
When considering what the Jets need to add in 2024, a veteran backup quarterback will likely be near the top of the list.
“We're going to go into the meeting room and look at exactly what we need to add to this team,” Douglas said the day after the season ended. “I'm sure that's going to be one of the topics that will be discussed. We'll develop a plan to maximize our success going forward. As far as veteran backups go, I think that's likely to be the case. Masu.”
The Jets hope Rodgers will play in 17 games next season and lead them to the playoffs. But Rodgers is 40 years old and recovering from an Achilles injury.
The 2023 season is the year of the backup QB in the NFL, with a rapid increase in teams losing their starting QB and turning him into a backup.
Most of the backup players failed, but Joe Flacco found success with the Browns, and other players played well for short periods of time.
The Jets know it's time to move on from Wilson.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft is expected to be traded or released in the coming weeks.
Siemian is not expected to return. That means the Jets will get a fresh start behind Rodgers.
There are some interesting veterans on the free agent market that should draw interest from the Jets. Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Tannehill are all potential targets.
Brissett played in just three games for the Commanders this season, but the Jets got to see him up close when he came off the bench against the Jets on Christmas Eve and nearly led the Commanders to a come-from-behind victory. did it. Jets assistant GM Rex Hogan has known Brissett from his time with the Colts, and the 31-year-old would be a good fit.
Flacco grabbed the headlines at the end of the season, but Minshew was the most successful backup overall in 2023.
He won seven games for the Colts this season. He may want to stay with coach Shane Steichen, who moved to Indy from the Eagles, but he will be sought after once he becomes a free agent.
Taylor started five games for the Giants this season. The blow for Taylor is his inability to stay healthy. He looks good when he plays, but his availability is a concern.
Tannehill has ties to the Jets, with passing game coordinator Todd Downing and offensive line coach Keith Carter both coming to the Jets from the Titans and working with Tannehill there. That makes him one to watch in free agency.
When it comes to the NFL Draft, some wonder if the Jets will draft a quarterback early and let him develop behind Rodgers. That seems unlikely this year, as the Jets have other needs they need to fill early in the draft.
But Day 3 could bring in a developing quarterback like Tulane's Michael Pratt, Florida State's Jordan Travis or Notre Dame's Sam Hartman.
The Jets could then consider drafting Rodgers' successor early in the 2025 draft, which will be one of the biggest talking points next offseason.
