NY Jets: 5 free agents who would instantly improve the roster

5. The NY Jets could sign QB Nick Mullens

The Jets may have added their hopeful quarterback of the future late last month, but they're still in search of his backup as we near the end of May.

The writing appeared to be on the wall that the team would bring in veteran Brian Hoyer after he visited with the Jets prior to the 2021 NFL Draft.

But Hoyer ended up re-signing with the New England Patriots last week, much to the chagrin of the Jets. That leaves the team with few viable backup options remaining on the free-agent market.

Far and away the best option, however, is former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens.

Mullens underwent elbow surgery in late December and has spent the offseason recovering, but he's easily the top option remaining on a market headlined by the likes of Robert Griffin III, Matt Barkley, and Brett Hundley.

Mullens has experience with the Jets' coaching staff having spent time with both Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur in San Francisco. And his prior starting experience makes him an excellent backup candidate.

To this point, the Jets haven't shown much interest, but perhaps they're waiting to see what happens with his medicals.

Either way, Mullens would instantly provide a boost to the quarterback room and give the Jets more stability than they currently have with James Morgan and Mike White backing up Zach Wilson.