Dream Jets backup QB could be out of reach after Mitch Trubisky news

The NY Jets might be in the market for a backup quarterback, but they are not the only team looking to add some extra depth behind an established starter. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have long been burdened with subpar QB play, decided to shake up their room as well.

The Steelers released former No. 2 pick Mitch Trubisky, as the resurgence of Mason Rudolph left him as the third-string quarterback. With Rudolph not a franchise quarterback and Kenny Pickett not exactly covering himself in glory, Pittsburgh may compete with the Jets for some big veteran names.

After the Tennessee Titans passed the baton to Will Levis, Ryan Tannehill knew his time was up. While the Jets, who have two former Titans coaches in Keith Carter, Todd Downing, and Tony Dews on their offensive staff, could make a run at the former Pro Bowl passer, Pittsburgh now has a very distinct advantage.

Not only did they clear a spot for Tannehill, but they hired former Titans offensive coordinator and Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to be their offensive coordinator. Tannehill recorded 55 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a passer rating of 110.6 in two seasons with Smith as the coordinator.

If Tannehill still has it in his mind that he can give it one more shot as a starting quarterback (a foolish endeavor, but let the guy dream), a wide-open competition in Pittsburgh seems like a much safer avenue for that than sitting behind Rodgers and collecting dust behind Aaron Rodgers.

The NY Jets could lose Ryan Tannehill to the Steelers

Tannehill, who the Jets targeted before Rodgers, looked like a solid NFL quarterback in the 2020 and 2021 seasons despite horrid offensive lines (coached by Carter) and a lack of quality wide receivers (coached by Downing) around him. Last year, he finally started to fall off from a competitive and physical point of view.

The Jets need to beat out other teams by paying top dollar for some of the best veteran names on the market just in case Rodgers' body can't hold up. They can't risk another Zach Wilson season, and Tannehill might have the best pedigree out of any of the possible options out there.

Smith is responsible for the best two seasons of Tannehill's career, and the Steelers might give him one last shot to stick as a starter. What could have been a slam dunk for the Jets has now become a serious tug-of-war with an AFC rival.