The New York Jets’ Week 1 game started as a nightmare that turned into a fever dream. Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured on the Jets’ fourth offensive play, but the entire team stepped up and beat the Buffalo Bills in overtime, thanks to a 65-yard punt return touchdown in overtime thanks to undrafted free agent Xavier Gipson .
The JETS Jets, Jets, Jets are certainly excited after this exciting season-opening win, but now comes the Rodgers edition. Late Monday night, Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that they fear their brand new quarterback suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1, which, if confirmed, would end his 2023 season. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed her fears.
So where do the Jets go from here? Just because Rodgers is shelved doesn’t mean the Jets’ season is over. With its elite defense and a rushing attack led by Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall, New York can be in the playoffs. Saleh said former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson will be the one moving forward, but who knows what will really happen?
Below we will evaluate five quarterback options for the Jets.
5. Sign veteran Carson Wentz
If the Jets want to sign a veteran who could start, then Wentz is an option to consider. The former No. 2 overall pick has played for three teams in the last three years, most recently with the Washington Commanders in 2022. Wentz went 2-5 as a starter for Washington, throwing for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions overall eight games were played.
Carson Wentz
WAR • QB • #11
CMP%62.3
YDs1755
TD11
INT9
YD/Att6,36
show profile
He is still looking for his new team. Maybe the Jets could come around.
4. Roll with Zach Wilson
This is the most likely scenario. Like it or not, the Jets could move on with Wilson, as Saleh said Monday night. He’s certainly been through a lot early in his NFL career, but the Jets haven’t given up on him completely. In 2022, he became the first quarterback since Ed Brown in 1957–58 to post the worst passer rating in the NFL in two consecutive seasons.
Zach Wilson
NYJ • QB • #2
CMP%54.5
YDs1688
TD6
INT7
YD/Att6.98
show profile
Wilson completed 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards, one touchdown and one interception on Monday night. He recovered from an ugly INT in the first half to lead a 13-0 run in the second half. Something that makes him stand out over the other quarterbacks on this list is that he has worked in this new offense all season. Wilson is also a highly underrated runner, but his biggest problem is decision making.
3. Trade for Jameis Winston
There could be some interesting signalers available via trading. Winston has accepted his role as a backup in New Orleans, but could be one of the top 32 QBs in the NFL. He is infamous for the “30 and 30” season he had with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, but he threw 18 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions with the New Orleans Saints.
Jameis Winston
NO • QB • #2
CMP%63.5
YDs858
TD4
INT5
YD/Att7.46
show profile
Winston went 5-2 as a starter for New Orleans in 2021 before a torn ACL cost him the season and a back injury ended his 2022 season early. Injuries are obviously an issue for the former No. 1 overall pick, but he’s a gunslinger who, like Garrett Wilson, could make the most of his downfield weapons. If the Jets explore the trade market, Winston is an option.
2. Trade for Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett was the loser in the Commanders’ quarterback battle, but he got off to an impressive start for the Cleveland Browns while Deshaun Watson was serving his suspension last year. The Browns were top 12 in points per game and yards per game with Brissett in 2022.
Jacoby Brissett
WAR • QB • #12
CMP%64.0
YDs2608
TD12
INT6
YD/Att7.07
show profile
The 30-year-old started 48 games and threw 48 touchdowns compared to 23 interceptions. New York could reach the playoffs with him. It is unknown if Washington would consider parting ways with Brissett, as he is the veteran who can replace young Sam Howell at any time. But Brissett is still an option.
1. Lure Tom Brady out of retirement
Wouldn’t that be something. The GOAT just took part in a Week 1 halftime ceremony with the New England Patriots, where he once again got to run around Gillette Stadium wearing No. 12 in front of a raucous crowd. He told his fans that he was a “patriot for life,” but this is the same guy who retired from football only to return to the Bucs months later!
Tom Brady
TB • QB • #12
CMP%66.8
YDs4694
TD25
INT9
YD/Att6.4
show profile
Not only would Brady have to want to return and play against his former team in the AFC East, but there’s also the issue of his ownership interest in the Las Vegas Raiders that could cause some problems.
Unlikely? Yes. Impossible? There’s nothing like that in the NFL.