Jets' backup QB options continue to dwindle after Tyrod Taylor news

The New York Jets have made plenty of quarterback additions this offseason. They traded for a familiar face in Geno Smith, landing their starter for the 2026 season.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, they selected Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, trading up in the fourth round to grab the longtime Tigers starter.

But, they still don't have an established veteran behind Smith who can be trusted to serve as QB2. As their options continued to dwindle this offseason, there was some thought that they could reunite with Tyrod Taylor, who was the Jets' backup quarterback in both 2024 and 2025.

Instead, Taylor is signing with the Green Bay Packers, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Monday afternoon. And the Jets' options continue to grow more limited.

Tyrod Taylor signs with Packers, leaving Jets with fewer QB2 options

Green Bay will be the eighth stop for Taylor along his 16-year NFL career, having spent time with at least a quarter of the NFL. He'll back up Jordan Love after Malik Willis left in free agency this offseason.

The real question for the Jets now becomes who their backup quarterback will be. In-house, there aren't many great options. Clubnik has no NFL experience to his name, while Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook don't exactly inspire security from fans.

Last week, the Jets hosted former Seattle Seahawks legend Russell Wilson on a free agent visit, but he seems to be on the fence between continuing his playing career or joining CBS's' The NFL Today.

If Wilson doesn't retire, he's the obvious favorite. Despite not having the starting-caliber juice he once had, he's still a serviceable quarterback and would be a solid insurance policy if Smith goes down with injury.

Outside of him, though, the free agent market is bleak. Longtime Dallas Cowboys backup Cooper Rush is likely the best option available, but even that isn't too assuring. His four appearances with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 were poor, to say the least. Rush threw four interceptions to zero touchdowns.

The Jets may have no choice but to turn to the trade market for a veteran backup. Quarterbacks like Spencer Rattler and Will Levis may not cost more than a 2027 Day 3 draft pick.

Otherwise, New York will enter the 2026 season with one of Klubnik, Zappe, or Cook backing up Smith. wadadad

In the worst-case scenario, that could be a recipe for disaster.

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