Latest Carson Wentz update will give Jets fans very mixed emotions

While the New York Jets found their 2026 starting quarterback after reuniting with Geno Smith, the quest for a backup quarterback with some experience has proven tougher to complete. Carson Wentz has long been linked to the Jets due to his history with the coaching staff.

Wentz, who spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings, was linked to the Jets for weeks even before free agency started. This looked like a done deal, but the latest update will kill that dream. Some fans will be thrilled that he isn't coming to New York, while some are wondering what the deal is at backup quarterback.

Wentz has officially agreed to return to the Vikings for the 2026 season. Rather than be the backup in New York, Wentz will be the third-string quarterback behind Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. The backup quarterback situation is quickly becoming a bigger problem than anticipated.

On one hand, the Jets are no longer in the running for someone the fanbase had mixed emotions about. On the other hand, the backup quarterback options are rapidly starting to thin, and the Jets still haven't locked in on anyone who could provide some solid play if Geno Smith gets hurt.

Jets lose backup quarterback option as Carson Wentz signs with Vikings

Wentz went 2-3 in his starts for Minnesota last season, throwing six touchdowns against five interceptions. Wentz was able to keep the Vikings afloat when struggling starter McCarthy was ruled out for a few games, but his own injury problems in the form of a nasty shoulder surgery led to his season coming to an end.

Offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who has a good relationship with Wentz after some reports claimed the contrary, helped him become a fringe MVP candidate in Philadelphia before putting together a solid season in Indianapolis.

If Jimmy Garoppolo heads back to the Los Angeles Rams, the free agent pool consists of Russell Wilson (not happening), Joe Flacco (who will be 41 years old and is incredibly immobile in the pocket), and 2025 holdover Tyrod Taylor. Andy Dalton's getting traded to the Philadelphia Eagles took yet another option off the market.

It seems as though the Jets want to add a veteran quarterback and a youngster later in the NFL Draft to round out their quarterback room, and with Wentz now off the market, the options to fill that first role are starting to gradually slip away.