Four quarterbacks the Jets should consider targeting this offseason
Although the New York Jets were a disaster without quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2023, their decision to enter the season without a serviceable backup undermined any chance they had of succeeding.
GM Joe Douglas can’t make the same mistake again and fortunately for the Jets, there are several intriguing signal-callers they could add this offseason. Since New York can take several different avenues to secure its next backup quarterback, here are four options the franchise could draft or sign in the coming months.
Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Considering Rodgers is already 40 years old and that it’s unclear how many more seasons he’ll play, drafting a quarterback in April makes sense for the Jets. Even though the 2024 NFL Draft could see as many as five quarterbacks selected in the first round, the Jets shouldn’t waste the 10th overall pick on a rookie signal-caller. But if New York doesn’t love a particular player when it’s on the clock, trading down for a package that includes a second-round pick to spend on Penix would be a wise move.
The 23-year-old Washington QB capped off an impressive collegiate career with a stellar 2023 season, during which he finished second in Heisman Trophy balloting and led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff title game. In 15 games, Penix threw for the most yards in the nation (4,903) while connecting on 36 passing touchdowns. And while he isn’t as much of a project as some of the other quarterbacks in this year’s class, Penix recently told ESPN Radio’s Jake Asman that he would relish the opportunity to work with Rodgers.
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
If the Jets miss out on Penix, Rattler could be the quarterback prospect to pursue. Once considered a future No. 1 overall draft pick, Rattler is one of the most polarizing players in the 2024 class. Over five seasons between Oklahoma and South Carolina, he threw for 10,807 yards, 77 touchdowns and 32 interceptions, struggling mightily to maintain consistency throughout his career.
