The first domino in the NFL quarterback carousel fell this week with the Los Angeles Rams keeping Matthew Stafford. As other clubs now sort through free-agent quarterbacks, the New York Jets have reportedly decided who will be their starter next season.
New York has plenty of options to choose from. It’s already been linked to veteran quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson. With a new regime in charge, some viewed it at least as a remote possibility that the club could pursue a reunion with Sam Darnold.
The 2025 NFL Draft also offers a few alternatives. While Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward will certainly be picked long before New York is on the clock, the team could be in a position to draft Shedeur Sanders. On Day 2, quarterback prospects Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe offer some intrigue. However, the new regime appears to be locked in on another option.
Reporting from the NFL Combine, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda shared that people who have spoken to the Jets believe the team is “ready to go” into Week 1 with Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback.
Taylor, who turns 36 in August, is under contract next season with just a $6.8 million cap hit. While he only appeared in two games last season, completing 17-of-22 passes with a 3-0 TD-INT ratio, he does have a 65.8 percent completion rate, 94.1 QB rating and an 8-3 TD-INT ratio in 13 games over the last two seasons.
With Taylor expected to serve as the Jets starting quarterback in Week 1, New York would have a rookie signal-caller behind him. Pauline also wrote that the Jets are expected to use a Day 2 pick on a quarterback, someone who they can develop throughout their rookie season and who would hopefully be ready to start in 2026.
