Jets veteran quarterback options continue to dwindle after Josh Dobbs news

The New York Jets entered the offseason with an obvious need at quarterback and did their best to address it with two different moves, one on the veteran market and one in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Geno Smith was acquired to be the team's starter, and he certainly will be throughout the season barring a catastrophic meltdown and injury. Cade Klubnik was selected with one of the Jets' fourth-round picks this past April.

But that still leaves one more quarterback hole on the roster, and that's an experienced backup who could serve as an insurance policy behind Smith.

They've yet to add one throughout the offseason, and the question remains whether they even will as we enter the preseason. But one option just came off the board in veteran Josh Dobbs, per his agent Mike McCartney, who signed a deal with the Detroit Lions in the wake of Teddy Bridgewater's retirement.

New York Jets lose another veteran QB option as Josh Dobbs signs with Detroit Lions

Now, the Jets didn't seem particularly interested in Dobbs. There were no reports tying the two parties together, despite the recent New England Patriots backup being available all offseason.

But general manager Darren Mougey has said throughout the offseason that the team was keeping tabs on the veteran quarterback market, and continued the same messaging at a media availability before the start of training camp.

"On the possibility of adding a veteran backup QB, Mougey says he’s excited to see what Klubnik does with his reps. Adds that he’s always checking out vet markets at all positions," shared ESPN's Rich Cimini.

The Jets' current plan seems to be hoping that Klubnik separates himself from the likes of Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook and puts a stranglehold on the QB2 spot behind Smith.

But considering the reports of his uneven performances in training camp, New York may have to look towards free agency and see who is still available and willing to sign.

The best remaining option is easily former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The long-time starter was most recently the backup for Matt Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.

With 64 career starts under his belt, Garoppolo is a trustworthy veteran who could start in a pinch when needed. Would he sign with the Jets is the real question.

Regardless, Klubnik, or any other Jets quarterback not named Geno, has a few weeks to prove they can be trusted as the team's primary backup option.

If not, they'll need to find someone, and the Lions just took Dobbs' name out of the running.

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