Justin Fields may have just helped the Jets land their new backup QB

The New York Jets pulled off the unthinkable on Monday morning, shipping quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

In what was another stroke of genius from general manager Darren Mougey, the Jets were not only able to get out from under a contract they had no plans keeping on their books, but even got a draft pick out of it, a Day 3 selection in what's supposed to be a special 2027 class.

But the Jets may not even end up using that pick, considering they still have a few needs to address this offseason, as we're only a week into free agency.

They have their starter in Geno Smith, yes. But who is backing him up? It certainly can't be Brady Cook, and it's unlikely Bailey Zappe will be the main insurance policy. Could the Jets flip that pick for a more experienced backup?

Justin Fields trade could net Jets their new backup quarterback

Heading into free agency, there were rumors regarding the Jets, and specifically offensive coordinator Frank Reich, having immense interest in bringing in veteran QB Carson Wentz to be the backup in New York. Evidently, the interest has not been mutual.

With limited options on the free agent market, outside of possibly re-signing Tyrod Taylor, the Jets may have no choice but to flip a pick to a team for their backup in 2026, and the Fields trade gave them the ammunition to do just that.

Carolina Panthers backup Andy Dalton could be available. The Panthers signed former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to a one-year deal in free agency, seemingly making the "Red Rifle" expendable. New York could send a Day 3 pick in either the 2026 or 2027 drafts to get it done.

A team that Mougey has extensive trading history with in just his first year on the job in New York is the Tennessee Titans. With Cam Ward the obvious starter in Tennessee, could the Jets strike a trade for their former second-round pick, Will Levis?

Levis would be the most exciting. As a young player, he's got a better shot at being the future in New York than, say, a Dalton or Wentz. He's flashed some upside in 21 career starts, throwing for 3,899 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Regardless, the Jets are going to find themselves a backup with experience at some point this offseason, and the draft pick they got in the Fields trade may just be the key to completing a potential trade.