Gang Green Nation
The Jets season is over. They’ve missed the playoffs for a 15th straight season. All that’s left now is to determine where they will select in the 2026 NFL Draft. With that in mind, I think we often wait too long to talk about free agency. At this point we have a good idea of who will hit the market and who will get tagged. Sure, some teams may re-sign players early, but that doesn’t happen often.
So let’s take a look at the positions where the Jets need help and who may be available. With likely more than $100 million in cap space after expected cuts, everyone will be on the table for the Jets.
The Jets will once again be in the quarterback market. Justin Fields is likely to be cut, and while it’s expected the Jets will draft a starter it’s not a guarantee. Who could the Jets target?
Russell Wilson: The future Hall of Famer is at the end of his career. But could he lead the Jets for just one season before they turn their attention to the 2027 draft class? Could he do enough to save the jobs of Glenn and Mougey?
Marcus Mariota: The veteran was the primary quarterback for the Washington Commanders for most of the season with Jayden Daniels dealing with injuries. It hasn’t been pretty, but Mariota is still an effective backup and bottom tier starter if the Jets want someone to command a tank for a season.
Kenny Pickett: A former starter for the Steelers, Pickett has spent this year as a backup in Las Vegas. Could the year watching have helped him? He could have the highest realistic upside of any free agent quarterback.
Mitch Trubisky: Josh Allen’s long term backup. Trubisky could be a safe option to lead the Jets offense as a former starting QB who’s even led a team to the playoffs before. But he has turned down larger offers to remain in Buffalo before.
Malik Willis: An all-time athlete and now Jordan Love’s backup. The upside is through the roof, but he’s never lived up to it. He’s played winning football for the Packers when called upon with Love injured. Is he ready for a second try as a starter?
Gardner Minshew: A most of the time underappreciated starter. Minshew has shown that at his best he can be a league average starter. His consistency has never been there though, and he’s never played on a winning team, which has left him relegated to backup duty for most of his career. He’s spent this year with Mahomes and Reid in Kansas City. Perhaps that’s what he’s needed to gain the consistency for a career resurgence.
Sam Howell: The former Washington starter has been a backup for the Eagles this year. Interceptions squashed what once felt like the start of a franchise QB career. He might give a team the best middle ground between upside and tank commanding.
The Jets...
