Jets strangely listed as potential suitor for first-round bust quarterback

The New York Jets entered the 2026 offseason with a major quarterback problem, and general manager Darren Mougey has totally overhauled the room in a few short months.

First, he traded for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, landing his starter for next season. Then, Mougey somehow found a way to deal Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, recouping a Day 3 draft pick for the failed quarterback.

In the draft, the Jets traded up for Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, landing a long-term project to hopefully be their backup in the fourth round. But even with all of these additions, New York still doesn't have an experienced signal caller on the roster as an insurance plan behind Smith.

The Jets have shown interest in former New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson as a potential backup, but he may be leaning more towards a career in television. Is there another option out there that would make sense?

Jets named as a suitor for Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox named the Jets as a potential suitor for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

While not the most experienced quarterback in the league, he has more starts under his belt than Klubnik or Bailey Zappe and has intriguing upside despite his previous struggles.

"Specifically, Richardson should interest teams without a defined quarterback plan that may be looking for a signal-caller in the 2027 draft. A QB-need team could get him into camp, give him a look on the practice field, and possibly give him an audition during the season before committing to a rookie a year from now."

Kristopher Knox

The Jets certainly fall under the category of a team "without a defined quarterback plan," but does that necessarily mean they should swing for the fences with Richardson?

Probably not. They took a chance on a high-upside quarterback last year in Fields, and it didn't exactly work out in New York's favor.

On the other hand, he wouldn't be thrust into the starting role like Fields was. He would be backing up Smith and would likely only see the field in the event of an injury or if the season goes up in flames.

The Jets are better off pursuing one of the more experienced options on the open market, like Wilson, or even bringing back Tyrod Taylor.

Both of those quarterbacks are more proven than Richardson is at this point in their respective careers.

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