The New York Jets’ decision to part ways with Aaron Rodgers means they are guaranteed to have at least one new quarterback on their roster next season.
Their starter, however, is still on the roster, according to one of their former QBs, Boomer Esiason, who believes a new regime won’t tolerate so much change at the most pivotal position.
“If they do this with a rookie head coach, a rookie GM, and a rookie quarterback? If they do that again?” Esiason said Tuesday on WFAN, via Audacy. “That’s why I believe Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback, no matter what happens.”
“Who knows, maybe they do trade out and get a couple more picks and take a Jaxson Dart or Kyle McCord or one of these other quarterbacks that may be rising in the draft as we speak.”
New York has the No. 7 pick in the draft, making it unlikely they will land one of the best QB prospects, Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, who also have considerable question marks. Thus, coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey won’t be anointing any of those inexperienced players with the starting job, at least on Day 1.
Plus, wide receiver has become a major hole, too. The Jets released Davante Adams on Tuesday and Allen Lazard appears resigned to the same fate. Garrett Wilson is their only proven wide receiver.
The Athletic reported Monday that the “middle-tier” QB market is what the Jets will target this offseason, including Justin Fields. Carson Wentz and Kirk Cousins, if he’s released by the Atlanta Falcons, could also be options, The Athletic wrote.
Taylor played in two games last season, completing 17 of 22 passes for 119 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The 35-year-old has started 58 games in his career, including five in 2023 with the Giants.