NY Jets: 4 free agents to target after the 2021 NFL Draft

3. The NY Jets could target QB Brian Hoyer

The Jets may have landed their new franchise quarterback in the draft in BYU’s Zach Wilson, but the depth chart behind him remains incredibly thin.

2020 fourth-round pick James Morgan was drafted to be Sam Darnold’s long-term backup, but after his seemingly slow development a year ago, it’s hard to see that being the case for Wilson.

Morgan is still behind longtime practice squad resident Mike White on the depth chart leaving the Jets with two incredibly unproven backups behind their first-round pick. Expect that to change before long.

The Jets brought in veteran Brian Hoyer for a visit shortly before the draft and the two sides reportedly left the meeting on good terms. It would make sense for the team to revisit this discussion now that the draft has concluded.

Hoyer is hardly an exciting option and he hasn’t won a game since 2016, but he would provide the Jets with a veteran mentor for Wilson and someone who has been in the game for a long time.

At 35-years-old, the Jets would be the eighth NFL team that Hoyer has played with. Of course, he’s had three different stints in New England and made a name for himself as Tom Brady’s backup.

Much like the nickel cornerback market, there aren’t a ton of adequate backup quarterbacks available. Hoyer, Nick Mullens, Matt Barkley, and Blake Bortles are probably the most prominent names out there.

Mullens would be a fun addition and he has experience with Saleh and Mike LaFleur in San Francisco, but the two sides might not be able to meet on a price point.

The Jets are looking for a veteran mentor and they seem to have interest in Brian Hoyer. Expect this one to get done.

Next: 2. Richard Sherman