Tannehill, Brissett among Jets backup options behind Rodgers،
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — In just 11 words, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson delivered a not-so-subtle message to general manager Joe Douglas.
“[We] “We need a backup quarterback,” Johnson told reporters at the recent NFL Honors in Las Vegas. “We didn’t have any last year.”
Translation: Get rid of Zach Wilson and bring in a new backup for Aaron Rodgers.
Half of the league's general managers will be in the QB2 market this offseason, setting the stage for a head-spinning carousel of change. The need exceeds the supply, so it will get expensive, but the Jets – entrenched in a win-now mode – can't afford to skimp.
The challenge is finding the right person. One veteran quarterback told ESPN it would be difficult to convince a high-profile backup to play for the Jets, knowing there was no chance of supplanting a healthy Rodgers. The only path to playing time is through injury – although the injury factor is real given his age (40) and what happened on 9/11 when Rodgers suffered a tendon injury. 'season-ending Achilles in his Jets debut.
With Wilson leading the way, the team won four games in his 11 starts en route to a 7-10 record. Due to salary cap constraints, the difference between starter and backup in the NFL is significant. Still, the Jets would be committing roster-building malpractice if they exposed themselves.
“I would say in terms of veteran backups, it’s a high probability,” Douglas said.
Who is available? An overview of their options:
Free agents (2023 team)
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (2023: 1,616 yards, 64.8% completion rate, 35.1 total QBR)
Tannehill, 35, is the better option because he has a proven track record (81-70 as a starter) and has experience with Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing, a former Titans offensive coordinator. But he might be able to land a starting job elsewhere. If that fails, the Jets should be first in line for his services.
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts (3,305 yards, 62.2% completion rate, 59.7 QBR)
Minshew failed to rally the Colts to a playoff spot following Anthony Richardson's season-ending injury. Minshew went 7-6, finishing 13th in QBR among qualified passers and making the Pro Bowl as a backup. He will be coveted by teams looking for a bridge starter or a QB2 capable of pushing the starter. He only made $3.5 million in 2023, but could at least double that amount. The Jets had their eye on him in the past.
Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders (224 yards, 78.3% completion rate, 95.6 QBR)
He made a big impression on the Jets after coming off the bench and rallying the Commanders to 21 unanswered points on Christmas Eve, briefly taking the lead in one game. Washington ultimately lost 30-28.
“He did a great job of fueling their offense and getting them going,” coach Robert Saleh said after the game.
Brissett (18-30 as a starter) is a steady player who protects the ball, but he won't generate many big plays. He made $8 million last season, so he won't be cheap.
Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants (1,341 yards, 64.4% completion, 47.7 QBR)
The well-traveled Taylor, 34, is a “high-level processor who makes quick decisions,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said before the Giants' Oct. 29 game. Taylor can provide entry-level play in stretches, but his problem is staying healthy. He has suffered several injuries, including broken ribs last season against the Jets.
Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers (632 yards, 62.6 completion percentage, 34.6 QBR)
Let's be honest: Trubisky had a rough two years in Pittsburgh, where he was benched multiple times and released on February 12. The upside: He's only 29 and went 29-21 with the Chicago Bears, who selected him No. 2 overall in 2017. He can move in the pocket, which appreciates its value a little.
Other free agents who could fit: Marcus Mariota, Philadelphia Eagles; Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers; Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks; Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens.
Potential Cap Reductions
Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (1,205 yards, 65.1% completion, 33.9 QBR)
Garoppolo is expected to be released before March 18, when an $11.3 million bonus is due, and he faces a two-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Playing on a surgically repaired foot, he lost his starting job to rookie Aidan O'Connell last season. Garoppolo's star has faded since his days with the 49ers, but he is an effective quarterback with big-game experience. Sustainability is a concern. Saleh knows him from their time together in San Francisco, when Saleh was the team's defensive coordinator.
Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys (144 yards, 75% completion, 52.1 QBR)
Rush could be released because the Cowboys owe fellow teammate Trey Lance a $5.3 million guarantee. Rush, 30, hasn't played much football, making him risky, but he went 4-1 as a starter when Dak Prescott went down in 2022. Because of his 2 win, $3 million, Rush is a profitable option.
Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons (890 yards, 54.4% completion rate, 47.7 QBR)
Heinicke, with a $1.3 million bonus due March 18, could be the odd man out if the new coaching staff redoes the quarterback depth chart. Heinicke (13-15-1) can provide a short-term spark, as he did at times in Washington from 2020-22.
Mike White, Miami Dolphins (74 yards, 83.3%, 0.1 QBR)
There's a good chance he's not going anywhere, but wouldn't it be nice if the Dolphins, facing significant cap issues, released him to save $3.5 million? White was a darling among Jets fans in 2021 and when he replaced Wilson in 2022, even though a rib injury derailed him. Saleh and Douglas like him very much. Again, this is far from the case, but never say “never” in the NFL.
Other potential cap cuts: Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers; Case Keenum, Houston Texans.
