Free Agent Quarterbacks Who Could Potentially Reinforce Jets' Depth Chart
New York Jets' head coach Robert Saleh said Zach Wilson will "be the guy" should starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers be lost for the season.
Now, that Rodgers's speculated Achilles rupture has been confirmed, Wilson regains the QB1 status that he relinquished last year. Relieving the injured starter four snaps into the Green & White's first offensive possession of the season opener, the former No. 2 overall draft pick went 14-of-21 passing for 140 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 22-16 overtime win over the reigning AFC East champion Buffalo Bills.
"I mean, unfortunately you go in off of an injury, but to get the win was huge against a big team on Monday Night Football. That was the first time I’ve been a part of anything like that," said Wilson after the Week 1 victory.
Even if Jets' brass has faith in Wilson's ability to steer the ship for the next 16 games, the likelihood is high that another signal caller will be added to the mix in the coming days.
"We are gonna look through some things, but I do want to make it very clear — Zach's our quarterback," said Saleh while speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon. "We've got a lot of faith in Zach. We're really excited about his opportunity. We're rolling with Zach."
With Rodgers on the shelf, Wilson is currently the lone available quarterback on Gang Green's 53-man roster. Currently on the Practice Squad, career backup Tim Boyle could wind up being signed to the active roster once the team places Rodgers onto Injured Reserve. In the meantime, the Jets could keep Boyle on the PS but designate him as a gameday call-up to serve as QB2 behind Wilson.
"We're gonna look at everything," said Saleh.
The first thought would be to find an upgrade to start ahead of Wilson, but the head coach claims the Jets aren't interested in doing so right now.
It's an understandable position to hold considering the fact that, at this stage in the NFL calendar, there isn't really a slam-dunk option available. Then, there's the challenge of getting the new quarterback acclimated to the playbook and his teammates in the midst of a season.
The next, seemingly more-sensible move would be to find a more-talented backup option than Boyle, who has only 106 regular season pass attempts to his credit to go with a 3:8 TD-to-Interception ratio.
Should the Jets not find a sensible suitor to replace Wilson or Boyle, the third option is to sign an emergency quarterback who can contribute to practice and meetings.
The idea of trying to lure Tom Brady or Matt Ryan out of retirement seems nothing more than a silly internet-based proposition. Kicking the tires on 30-year-old Carson Wentz is a bit more realistic, but how much of an upgrade would he be at this juncture?
Long-time second-stringers Colt McCoy and Chase Daniel, who are both 36 years old, are both available as is former Super Bowl champion Nick Foles, who is 34.
Foles, who has shown the ability to effectively manage a game at the NFL level, looks like the most viable option should the Jets opt to for a Wilson replacement.
Trevor Siemian, 31, has starting experience, too. The former Denver Broncos' QB1 has 7,027 career pass yards, 42 touchdown passes and 28 interceptions over 35 games (30 starts).
Unsigned Veteran Quarterbacks
Tom Brady (Age: 45)
Chase Daniel (Age: 36)
Joe Flacco (Age: 38)
Nick Foles (Age: 34)
Colt McCoy (Age: 36)
Matt Ryan (Age: 37)
Trevor Siemian (Age: 31)
Carson Wentz (Age: 30)
John Wolford (Age: 27)
READ MORE:
MRI Confirms Suspected Achilles Tear for Rodgers
Nightmarish Start to Aaron Rodgers's First Start as Jet
