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Back It Up: Quarterbacks for the NY Jets in 2024

Backup quarterbacks are high on the New York Jets' list this offseason. They can't afford to risk another injury to Rodgers without a plan.
New York Jets backup quarterback Trevor Siemian

As we enter 2024, we reflect on what’s been a notorious but uninspired season. All the attention from getting Aaron Rodgers and appearing on ‘Hard Knocks’ backfired on the New York Jets season once Rodgers was injured. The eventual Hall-of-Fame quarterback has made more headlines on Pat McAfee than on the field this season. The team continues to hold hope for 2024, but it’s hard to be optimistic when your offense’s hopes are pinned on a 40-year-old coming off a major ankle injury. Especially with the likelihood of the team retaining Nathaniel Hackett. There’s no denying that even with Rodgers returning, Joe Douglas must address the backup quarterback position. Zach Wilson’s days are numbered and the team needs a viable starting option, even with Rodgers returning. Fortunately, there are some interesting options this off-season to address this need.

Back It Up: Quarterbacks for the NY Jets in 2024

It’s hard to see the Jets’ offense looking as bad or worse in 2024 than last year. Along with the return of Aaron Rodgers, one major benefit will be the return of Alijah Vera-Tucker. Returning from a major injury like a torn Achilles for a linemen is difficult. However, Alijah Vera-Tucker returned from a torn tricep this year to premier offensive guard status. AVT alongside a combination of Joe Tippmann, Conor McGovern, and Laken Tomlinson gives New York a deep interior on the offensive line. This will not only benefit the passing game but create tremendous opportunities for Breece Hall as well. That being said, it would be wise for the team to evaluate any upgrades at offensive tackle. Unless they attempt to repeat history with an over-the-hill veteran as a blind-side tackle for a 40-year-old quarterback coming off a major ankle injury.

After watching the carousel of backups between Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle, it’s clear an upgrade is needed behind Aaron. It’s easier said than done, but they will have options. I have no doubt the team will draft a quarterback to groom behind Aaron on Day 2. Names like JJ McCarthy, Cameron Ward, and Michael Pratt could all be options. All three are multiple-season starters and have shown flashes of brilliance over the years. Yet, they will still require a veteran option behind Aaron should his performance regress due to the injury.

Option 1: Gardner Minshew

Gardner Minshew would be the ideal New York Jets backup quarterback. While Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are rightfully the marquee names in this year’s class few quarterbacks elevated themselves before free agency like Gardner Minshew. He was once looked at as the future in Jacksonville, but he was quickly usurped by Trevor Lawrence. After spending the past two years behind Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, Mineshew followed Shane Steichen to Indianapolis. He was obligated to back up first-round pick Anthony Richardson.

However, an AC joint sprain ended Richardson’s season in Week four. As a result, Mineshew was thrust back into the starting role and held his own. The Colts have won six of their last eight games and remain firmly in the AFC South division race. He has thrown for over 3,100 yards on 62.7 completion percentage and 15 touchdown passes. Combined with his experience and running abilities, Mineshew should be the Jets fans’ dreams of a backup quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers.

Tyrod Taylor

He’s spent the past two seasons with the New York Giants, so he already knows the lay of the land. It’s been a frustrating couple of seasons for Tyrod Taylor. The former Pro Bowl quarterback has struggled to find a permanent home since being traded from Buffalo. The Browns, the Chargers, and the Texans have all used him as a backup for young quarterbacks. He got some playing time this year after Daniel Jones injured his ACL and performed admirably.  With Just over 62% of completions for over 1,000 yards and four touchdown passes. In addition, Tyrod Taylor has an old friend in the building, general manager Joe Douglas. Both Taylor and Douglas were a part of the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens in 2012.

Jacoby Brissett

Few quarterbacks offer the kind of stability behind their starter like Jacoby Brissett. The 31-year-old veteran has spent the past season in Washington behind Sam Howell. In limited playing time this season, Brissett looked as sharp as he did in Cleveland last year. With a passer rating of 146.8 and three passing touchdowns without an interception, Brissett performed well in limited action. He will have no shortage of suitors, but it would be wise for Joe Douglas to bring in a veteran with Brissett’s resume of consistency recently.

Sam Darnold

A surprising name on this list? This one would be more difficult to pull off compared to the others. Yet, a return to New York could be a reasonable decision for both parties. The third overall pick in the 2018 Draft, Sam Darnold was the supposed future of the franchise. Alas, the Adam Gase era and the arrival of Zach Wilson ended that chapter quickly. A failed stint in Carolina in 2022 led Darnold to return home to California and back up Brock Purdy in San Francisco. While the USC legend couldn’t win the starting job, his familiarity with the organization and the chance to learn more from Aaron Rodgers can hopefully allow him to mature more and continue his NFL career into his 30s.

Main Photo: [Scott Galvin] – USA Today Sports

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