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. 

"Being able to pick Aaron Rodgers' brain – a Hall of Famer, one of the best to ever do it in the sport – that would be amazing to be able to be around him," Penix said last week. "Any opportunity I'll be super blessed for, and I'm gonna make the most of it."

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.

Even so, the former five-star high school recruit has an NFL-caliber arm and his stock is on the rise after he took home MVP honors at the Reese's Senior Bowl earlier this month. 

Jordan Reid of ESPN grades Rattler as a fourth-round pick, which would be the perfect time for the Jets to take him, as they hold the Nos. 112 and 114 overall selections in that round. Despite this, drafting Rattler in the third round, where New York holds the 72nd pick, wouldn't be all that bad of an outcome – especially if he has a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. 

Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders 

The Jets should have signed Brissett last offseason, but they will have the opportunity to rectify the mistake this time around. Brissett, who ultimately went on to ink a one-year deal with Washington, offers 48 games of starting experience that could come in handy if Rodgers suffers another significant injury.

While Brissett didn't start a game for the Commanders this past season, he was so productive in relief that he was named the team's starter ahead of their Week 17 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. A hamstring injury Brissett suffered in practice that week subsequently ended his season. Nonetheless, across Brissett's seven drives played this past season, Washington scored five touchdowns, with the journeyman passer throwing for 224 yards and three scores. 

For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus projects Brissett to sign a one-year, $6.5M deal this offseason, which would make him an ideal low-risk, high-reward acquisition for the Jets. 

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints 

Winston, the only quarterback in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a season, is still turnover-prone, but he's also fully capable of putting points on the board. For a team that finished in the bottom five in scoring each of the last five seasons, a few interceptions would be a fair tradeoff for the offense to at least look competent in case Rodgers goes down.

The 2015 No. 1 overall pick has expressed interest in re-signing with the Saints, the team he has served as both a starter and a backup for the last four seasons. Although Winston would have a better chance of unseating Derek Carr for a starting role than Rodgers, the Jets provide a greater opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. Winston is projected to sign a one-year, $4M deal this offseason, per PFF.