Taking a look at who could be the Jets' starting QB in 2026

The article frames the Jets as entrenched in quarterback instability, describing a post-Aaron Rodgers/pre-(insert mystery name) era.

Three different starters each made at least four starts last season, tied for the most by any team in NFL history.

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Joe Namath played his last game for the Jets exactly 50 years ago.

After a 3-14 season, the organization is pursuing short-term solutions while reserving long-term decisions for the draft.

Free-agent negotiating begins Monday at noon ET, and the new league year, when trades become official, starts Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Those timing windows create an immediate opportunity for the team to target a bridge quarterback rather than commit to a franchise choice now.

Coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey face pressure to win quickly.

They are weighing whether to use the No. 16 or No. 33 pick on Ty Simpson or to wait for prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore in 2027.

Finances and roster strategy shape the Jets' approach.

The article highlights a unique veteran market where some longtime starters could be available for the veteran minimum ($1.3 million) because of guaranteed money and offset language in contracts.

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Malik Willis is expected to command at least $20 million per year.

The Jets also carry obligations from past moves, as they owe $10 million guaranteed to Justin Fields, whose likely release would leave a $22 million dead-cap charge.

That financial picture makes an expensive quarterback splash less appealing.

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid and the team leadership—Mougey, Glenn, new offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave—argue for using the club's draft capital to build the roster now and target a quarterback in 2027.

The article notes the team has "three first-rounders" and, per Reid, "four picks in the top 44."

Mougey said he and the coaches have daily discussions and that he "do[es] feel like there's some good options out there."

The article warns the Jets may need to balance immediate competitiveness against the risk of alienating fans pushing for a long-term quarterback plan.

The piece surveys potential landing spots and evaluations for quarterbacks.

Free agents of interest include Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo, Marcus Mariota, Gardner Minshew and Malik Willis, with Wentz framed as the likeliest fit because of his prior work with Reich.

Reported cap-cut candidates include Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins.

The article details pros and cons for each, noting Smith can be had for a veteran minimum while still owed $18 million by the Raiders and coming off a season with a league-leading 17 interceptions.

Murray is owed $36.8 million and Tagovailoa $54 million and both bring durability questions.

A longer trade and backup list includes Jacoby Brissett, Jarrett Stidham, Mac Jones, Tanner McKee, Spencer Rattler, Tyson Bagent, Will Levis, Davis Mills, Andy Dalton and Derek Carr.

The article notes Brissett has a Reich connection and could be affordable, Mac Jones would command compensation the 49ers may not give, and questions remain about Carr's shoulder and recent inactivity.

The article closes on the evaluation that "there's no panacea out there" and the Jets will likely need luck to land a suitable short-term quarterback solution.