Eagles may have just gift-wrapped the Jets a backup QB after releasing Andy Dalton

Here at The Jet Press, we've been preaching since training camp opened that the New York Jets should be looking to add an experienced veteran quarterback option behind Geno Smith. Cade Klubnik has some upside, but with no starting experience, the Jets are playing with fire under center.

Well, the perfect backup may have just landed right in their laps, as NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday afternoon that the Philadelphia Eagles were releasing veteran quarterback Andy Dalton ahead of their Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

Dalton, who was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the Eagles this past offseason for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, is now free to sign where he pleases. He was mentioned as a Jets option throughout the offseason thanks to his past connection with offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

Should the Jets consider adding Dalton now that he's available? Or has that ship sailed after four games of the 2026 season?

Should the New York Jets pursue veteran QB Andy Dalton?

First things first, Dalton's most recent body of work hasn't been great despite a really small sample size. He came into Philadelphia's Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears while Jalen Hurts was being evaluated for a concussion and attempted only one pass into the end zone, which was intercepted.

In fairness to Dalton, though, it's tough to come into a game cold off the bench as he did on Monday Night Football.

Regardless, the former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick would be a much better scheme fit for the Jets in Reich's offensive system. He demonstrated that well during the 2023 season.

Appearing in place of the injured Bryce Young, Dalton completed 34-of58 pass attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns in three appearances, losing his lone start. For what it's worth, the Panthers offense looked better under the guidance of the veteran quarterback than the rookie Young.

The real question is, if Smith gets hurt, would New York be better off rolling with the rookie Klubnik, or the veteran Dalton? Jets fans would likely rather see Klubnik, considering the team invested a fourth-round draft pick this past spring, but for a staff currently fighting for their jobs, they'd rather place their fate in the hands of an experienced signal caller.

It's not a very high bar to clear, but throwing a rookie quarterback on the field in must-win games for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey is a poor idea. Dalton, at minimum, is a more sure thing, even more so than practice squad option Will Levis.

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