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The New York Jets‘ never-ending nightmare at the quarterback position will continue for at least another season, as reports indicate that the team will be starting from scratch again in September. Who that new quarterback is going to be, though, remains remarkably murky.
According to reports, after the failed experiment of last season, the New York Jets will be cutting Justin Fields, who the team brought in to be their starter after cutting Aaron Rodgers about this time a year ago.
“As for Justin Fields: He’ll be released at some point, though the Jets say they are in no rush to make that move. Tyrod Taylor is open to returning if the Jets want him as a veteran backup again,” reported The Athletic’s Zach Blatt
The New York Jets’ options for their vacant quarterback position include Tyrod Taylor, Tanner McKee, Spencer Rattler, Tyson Bagent and Jarrett Stidham
As for who they’ll replace him with, it certainly won’t be Heisman trophy winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected #1 overall by the Las Vegas in this spring’s NFL Draft. The Jets, of course, have the #2 pick.
“There’s a sense that the Jets will look to add two veterans, steering away from overpriced big names and focusing on cost-effective backups/stop-gap starters — players such as Tanner McKee, Spencer Rattler and Tyson Bagent. Another one to watch is Jarrett Stidham, who is under contract with the Denver Broncos. General manager Darren Mougey knows him from his time in Denver.” [via ESPN]
The Jets are certainly going to pay the price for cutting Fields, too, as they’ll get hit with $22 million cap charge if they go forward with that move. Gang Green are also on the hook to pay Aaron Rodgers $35 million this year.
In nine games with the Jets last season, likely his first and only year with the team, Fields had passer rating of 89.5 with 1,259 yards, 7 touchdowns and 1 interception, and carried the ball 71 times for 383 yards and four rushing touchdowns. His one interception is misleading, though, as he virtually refused to through the ball down field.