The New York Jets are once again facing uncertainty at the quarterback position as they prepare for the upcoming offseason. After a disappointing season from free-agent signing Justin Fields, the team is likely in search of a more experienced quarterback for the 2026 season. With the decision of QB Dante Moore to return to Oregon for another year, the Jets may not have a clear option to select with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Notably, Kyler Murray, a top candidate for release by the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Furthermore, the top free agent, Malik Willis, is anticipated to seek a lucrative multi-year contract, likely pricing the Jets out of contention. Given these developments, the Jets will have to consider several other candidates. It is worth mentioning that many of these players have connections to the team”s new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich.
One prominent option is Jacoby Brissett, who is still under contract with the Cardinals for another season. In 2025, Brissett recorded 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns over 12 starts, despite a challenging 1-11 record. His base salary is set at $4.8 million, making him a potential acquisition for a mid-round draft pick if Arizona opts for a new quarterback. Brissett previously played under Reich while with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019.
Another intriguing candidate is Jones, who excelled as the backup for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. He threw for 2,151 yards with a 13-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio and achieved a 62.3 QBR, ranking him 10th in the league. Bill Simmons of The Ringer suggested that the Jets should consider trading their 33rd pick in the 2026 draft for Jones, who has a base salary of $1.4 million in 2026. However, San Francisco may demand a higher return for their former first-round pick.
Then there is Mckee, who, at 25 years old, has started just two games for the Philadelphia Eagles with a record of 1-1. He has completed 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns over six games. Known for his strong preseason performances, Mckee has worked under Sirianni, who was Reich”s offensive coordinator in Indianapolis from 2018 to 2020. The Eagles may be inclined to trade their backup for a Day Two pick.
Rattler, also 25, has accumulated 14 career NFL starts, yet holds a disappointing record of 1-13 with the struggling New Orleans Saints. His last season saw him finish 1-7, losing his starting position to Tyler Shough. Nevertheless, Rattler completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 1,586 yards and had an 8-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Saints might be looking to trade him for a mid-round selection.
Among the free agents, Carson Wentz stands out as Reich”s former star pupil during his time as the Eagles” offensive coordinator in 2017. Since departing from Philadelphia, Wentz has struggled as a backup across multiple teams. SNY reporter Connor Hughes mentioned Wentz as a potential dark horse for the Jets” quarterback search. “Wentz might surprise some, because the notion of the Frank Reich/Wentz relationship falling apart in Indianapolis was more about the GM and owner than the coach,” Hughes tweeted. “The two remain very close, and one source indicated that Reich”s preferred quarterback is Wentz. Another source claimed, “No one loves Wentz more than Frank.”
Honorable mentions for the Jets” quarterback search include Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota, and Tua Tagovailoa.
