The New York Jets‘ future at the quarterback position has never been more uncertain. With the Aaron Rodgers era potentially on the brink of ending sooner than expected, the franchise could soon find itself looking for a short-term answer to keep things afloat in the post-Rodgers era. Could that answer come in the form of New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones?
Nick Faria, a Jets reporter for Athlon Sports, sparked an intriguing hypothetical on social media that’s sure to turn heads. Faria suggested that if the Jets were to part ways with Rodgers this offseason, they could draft a quarterback in the first round and sign Jones to a “bridge deal.” While Jets fans may not be thrilled by the idea, Faria’s theory is worth exploring—especially as New York’s quarterback situation grows increasingly murky.
Daniel Jones: A Bridge Too Far?
At first glance, the idea of bringing in Jones to lead the Jets for a short-term stint might seem outlandish. The 27-year-old signal-caller has just been benched by the Giants ahead of Week 12, and many believe Jones’ days in New York are numbered. With two more years left on his lucrative $160 million contract, Jones’ future with the Giants is anything but certain. New York can move on from him this offseason by cutting him, though it would come with a hefty $22 million dead cap charge.
On paper, Jones certainly has the physical attributes you’d want in a starting quarterback. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Jones possesses the size and athleticism to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Over his career, he’s thrown for 14,582 passing yards, 70 touchdowns, and a respectable 64.1% completion rate. Additionally, Jones is a dangerous runner, with 2,179 career rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scoring 15 touchdowns on the ground.
However, his inability to maintain consistency has held him back. Despite flashes of brilliance, Jones has struggled with decision-making and reading defenses, both of which are critical for a quarterback in the NFL. His struggles under pressure and erratic play-calling have led to growing frustration among Giants fans, and his benching signals that his time with the team may be coming to an end.
Would Jones be an upgrade for the Jets in the short term? Perhaps. But the bigger question remains: Is Jones the type of quarterback the Jets need to guide them back to contention?
The Jets Already Have a Bridge QB in Tyrod Taylor
The Jets’ quarterback room already has a more proven “bridge” option—Tyrod Taylor. Signed to a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason, Taylor was brought in as insurance for Rodgers, but he also serves as a viable option should the Jets need a placeholder for a year or two. Given that Taylor has been around the league since 2011, his veteran presence is invaluable, even if he isn’t the type of player to dazzle with statistics or accolades.
Taylor has shown he can step in and manage a game when necessary, as he did in Week 8 against the New York Giants, completing 17 of 29 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. He won’t carry the team on his back, but Taylor is reliable enough to stabilize the offense while the team figures out what’s next.
If the Jets do decide to move on from Rodgers this offseason—whether due to injury concerns or a change in direction—it might make more sense to go with Taylor for 2025, especially since he’s already under contract. The Jets could roll with Taylor as the starter and focus on developing a long-term quarterback solution in the draft, rather than gambling on the uncertain upside of Daniel Jones.
The Case for Jordan Travis
In addition to Taylor, the Jets do have a potential wildcard in rookie Jordan Travis, who is currently on the NFI (Non-Football Injury) list after suffering a serious leg fracture during his college career. The Florida State product showed plenty of promise before the injury and could be a developmental project worth keeping an eye on moving forward.
However, with Travis still sidelined and no clear timetable for his return to the field, it’s difficult to gauge just how soon he could be ready to contribute. The Jets may prefer to have a more established player like Taylor as a bridge quarterback while they wait for Travis to fully recover and develop.
The Draft Situation: Will the Jets Have a Shot at a QB in 2025?
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets will likely find themselves with a mid-first-round pick, which could limit their chances of landing a top-tier quarterback prospect. According to Tankathon, as of now, the Jets hold the No. 7 overall pick. While that’s not a terrible spot to grab a potential starter, it might not be enough to land one of the top quarterbacks in a loaded draft class, especially if a team like the Chicago Bears or Arizona Cardinals decides to trade up for a QB.
If the Jets continue to struggle over the remainder of the 2024 season, it could open the door for a new direction at quarterback. But the team will need to decide if they’re willing to bet on a less-experienced quarterback at No. 7 or explore other options like trading up or seeking a veteran presence—like Jones or even Taylor—for a year or two until they’re ready to draft their franchise quarterback.
The Bottom Line: Can the Jets Find Stability?
The Jets’ quarterback situation is still very much in flux. While Daniel Jones might be an intriguing option for the short term, his inconsistency and the lingering questions surrounding his future in New York make him a risky bet. The Jets could instead look to Tyrod Taylor, who is already on the roster and could hold down the fort for a year while the team assesses its long-term options.
The bottom line is simple: The Jets need a franchise quarterback, and while Jones might not be the solution, the team will have plenty of options to explore this offseason. Whether that’s through the draft, free agency, or sticking with Taylor, it’s clear that the Jets’ front office has a critical decision to make as the future of the franchise’s quarterback position hangs in the balance.
