The New York Jets face uncertainty at the quarterback position as they prepare for the 2026 season, with Jacoby Brissett emerging as a leading candidate to fill the vacancy. After a difficult 2025 campaign with Justin Fields under center, the Jets plan to pursue a seasoned quarterback through trades or free agency to strengthen their offense.
With the loss of QB Dante Moore, who opted to return to Oregon, and limited prospects at the No. 2 draft pick, New York must explore alternative options beyond rookie signal callers. Given that Kyler Murray appears headed to the Minnesota Vikings and Malik Willis’s expected hefty contract likely prices him out of reach, the Jets are considering several experienced quarterbacks, many connected to new offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
Jacoby Brissett: An Experienced Veteran with Coaching Ties
At 33 years old, Jacoby Brissett remains under contract with the Arizona Cardinals through the 2026 season. Despite the Cardinals’ 1–11 record in 12 starts last year, Brissett posted 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, proving he can handle a starting role. His $4.8 million base salary makes him an affordable target, especially if Arizona chooses to draft a rookie or pursue another veteran like Malik Willis.
Brissett’s previous experience as Frank Reich’s starter with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 adds to his appeal for the Jets, potentially facilitating a smooth transition under Reich’s system.
Other Viable Quarterback Candidates for the Jets
Mac Jones: Promising Talent Backing Up with a Low Salary
Mac Jones served as the San Francisco 49ers’ backup in 2025, demonstrating efficiency by throwing for 2,151 yards and maintaining a 13–6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 62.3 QBR ranked 10th in the NFL last year, indicating strong performance in limited action.
Bill Simmons of The Ringer suggested trading the Jets’ No. 33 pick in the 2026 draft to acquire Jones, who carries only a $1.4 million base salary in 2026. Nevertheless, San Francisco is likely to demand significant compensation for their former first-round pick, making a trade potentially costly for New York.
Tanner McKee: Backup with Connection to Reich’s Coaching Staff
Philadelphia Eagles backup Tanner McKee, 25, has started two games and completed 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns during six appearances. Known for strong preseason performances, McKee benefits from his link to Frank Reich’s former offensive coordinator, Nick Sirianni, who coached in Indianapolis concurrently with Reich.
The Eagles may consider trading McKee for a mid-round draft pick, offering the Jets another feasible veteran option linked to the coaching network.
Spencer Rattler: Former Starter Facing an Uncertain Future
At 25, Spencer Rattler has started 14 NFL games with a 1–13 record on a struggling New Orleans Saints team. In 2025, he went 1–7, losing his starting role to Tyler Shough, but posted a 67.7 completion percentage, 1,586 passing yards, and an 8–5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
New Orleans might look to trade Rattler for a mid-round draft pick, as he appears likely to remain a backup, which could make him an available option for the Jets.
Carson Wentz: A Free Agent With Past Success Under Reich
Carson Wentz, currently a free agent, was once coached by Frank Reich when Reich served as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator in 2017. Although Wentz has spent recent years as a backup at various teams, he remains a potential dark horse candidate for the Jets, according to SNY reporter Connor Hughes.
Wentz might surprise some, because of the notion Frank Reich/Wentz relationship fell apart in Indianapolis,
Hughes tweeted.
From my understanding, that was more GM/owner, not coach. The two remain very close. One source told me that the QB Reich prefers is Wentz. A quote from another:
No one loves Wentz more than Frank.
?Connor Hughes, SNY reporter
Additional Quarterbacks Considered by the Jets
Beyond the main candidates, New York is also monitoring veterans like Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota, and Tua Tagovailoa. Each brings varying degrees of experience and talent that could address the Jets’ need for stability under center heading into 2026.
What This Means for the Jets Moving Forward
With limited draft options and top free agents either unlikely or too costly, the Jets’ front office faces a challenging offseason as it seeks to solidify the quarterback spot. Targeting veterans such as Jacoby Brissett, who combines experience with valuable coaching connections, suggests a strategy focused on immediate competitiveness rather than rebuilding from the draft.
How the Jets navigate these quarterback evaluations and potential trades will significantly influence their offensive performance and playoff aspirations in 2026, making this one of the offseason’s most critical decisions for New York.
