1 backup quarterback the Jets could obviously make a trade for

The New York Jets still don't know their long-term starting quarterback, much less the backup. However, New Orleans Saints signal-caller Spencer Rattler is a worthy trade target for the latter spot this offseason.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt listed the 25-year-old as an option the Jets should look at on Wednesday.

"New Orleans has Tyler Shough and signed old friend Zach Wilson this offseason," he said. "New Orleans won’t release Rattler and it’s unclear how much they’d want in a trade, but he’s an ideal option as a young backup with starting experience (14 starts in two years) and room to grow."

The Saints drafted Rattler in the fifth round out of South Carolina in 2024. The 6-foot, 211-pounder has since completed 304 out of 485 passes (62.7%) for 2,903 yards with 12 touchdowns against 10 interceptions over 16 games. He also has 313 rushing yards on 49 carries (6.4 yards per attempt) and one lost fumble.

If New Orleans prefers Wilson over Rattler as Shough's backup once training camp and preseason are underway, there's no reason for New York not to have interest in Rattler. He could be another developmental option behind Geno Smith, but he has more experience than fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik in case the veteran starter goes down.

Jets must acquire another backup to protect Cade Klubnik

New York isn't likely to make a Super Bowl run next season, so don't expect its backup quarterback to have a Nick Foles-level impact if Smith gets hurt. But acquiring Rattler would likely not only lead to better short-term results than having Klubnik under center, but would also help the latter player develop.

Countless times, the Jets have inserted a rookie quarterback into action only to yield mediocre results. For example, Wilson completed just 55.6% of his passes with nine touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 2021, Sam Darnold completed 57.7% with 17 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in 2018, and Smith completed 55.8% with 12 touchdowns against 21 picks in 2013.

Klubnik isn't expected to be the long-term starter like those players were, but it wouldn't hurt New York to let him develop as a third-stringer next season without the pressure of immediate production.

Rattler also has two seasons left on his contract and is owed just over $1 million in both years. That makes him a low-risk investment as long as the Jets don't trade any Day 1 or 2 picks for him.

Regardless, New York risks Klubnik suffering a similar fate as those aforementioned quarterbacks if it gives him the No. 2 job this year. It would behoove the franchise to deviate from its old ways given that its 15-year playoff drought is the longest in North American professional sports.

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