Jets Weigh Options to Fill QB Void

New York Jets face uncertainty at quarterback position with limited free agent choices

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:21pm

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The New York Jets are in need of a new starting quarterback after finishing last in the league in passing categories last season. With free agency approaching, the team has a range of options to consider, from high-upside but risky veterans like Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, to more reliable but lower-ceiling options like Jacoby Brissett and Derek Carr, to unproven backups like Tanner McKee and Tyson Bagent. The Jets will have to weigh the pros and cons of each tier of quarterbacks as they look to find the right fit to lead their offense in 2026.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback situation has been a major weakness for the team in recent years, and finding the right signal-caller will be crucial to their chances of improving and potentially competing for a playoff spot in 2026. The team has ample cap space to pursue free agents, but the available options come with significant risk and uncertainty.

The details

The Jets' quarterback options range from high-upside but inconsistent veterans like Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, to more reliable but lower-ceiling options like Jacoby Brissett and Derek Carr, to unproven backups like Tanner McKee and Tyson Bagent. The team will have to carefully evaluate each tier of quarterbacks and determine which player(s) give them the best chance to improve their passing attack and overall competitiveness in 2026.

  • The new league year in the NFL begins in a few days.
  • The 2026 NFL draft will take place in the coming months, where the Jets are expected to select a quarterback.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former first-overall pick who has shown flashes of elite play but has also struggled with consistency and injuries.

Tua Tagovailoa

A former top-5 draft pick who has had an up-and-down career so far, with questions about his durability and ability to be a long-term starter.

Jacoby Brissett

A veteran quarterback with starting experience who could provide stability and competence, if not a high ceiling, for the Jets' offense.

Derek Carr

A former Pro Bowl quarterback who is contemplating a return to the NFL after a year away from the game.

Tanner McKee

A young backup quarterback who has generated some buzz and could be ready for a chance to start.

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What they’re saying

“There is no high-ceiling quarterback available on the open market for the Jets at the moment. This group, though, is the best of a bad bunch and should be able to help lead the team to competence.”

— Nick Faria, Author

“Whether that's seven, eight, or nine wins depends on the type of team New York surrounds them with.”

— Nick Faria, Author

What’s next

The Jets will need to make a decision on their quarterback situation in the coming weeks, as free agency opens and the draft approaches. They will likely pursue a combination of veteran free agents and a rookie quarterback, with the goal of finding the right mix to improve their passing attack and overall competitiveness in 2026.

The takeaway

The Jets' quarterback options this offseason are far from ideal, but the team will need to make the best of the available choices in order to address a major weakness and put themselves in a position to compete in 2026. Finding the right balance of veteran experience and young potential will be crucial to their success.