NY Jets already eyeing one specific veteran QB, per report

The NY Jets are expected to scour the free-agent market in search of a veteran quarterback following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury, and it appears they've already identified one potential target.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Jets have "inquired" about the availability of longtime NFL backup Chad Henne. Henne spent the last five seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs' backup quarterback before retiring this offseason.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Tuesday that Zach Wilson will be the team's quarterback moving forward. Whatever QB the Jets bring in will not compete with Wilson for the starting job.

If the Jets are solely looking for an experienced veteran backup to have in their quarterback room, Henne does make some sense for one very important reason.

Why Chad Henne make senses for the NY Jets

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme is notoriously very complex and difficult for new players to pick up. Rodgers has said that it took him years to master the system, and new quarterbacks tend to struggle in the scheme early on.

Just look at Russell Wilson last year. Wilson's struggles with Hackett's offensive system ultimately led to the former Packers coordinator's premature firing in Denver.

That's why Henne is a logical target. The 38-year-old has experience with Hackett dating back to their time together in Jacksonville. Hackett was Henne's quarterbacks coach and later his offensive coordinator with the Jaguars.

The list of free-agent quarterback options that know Hackett's system is limited. Former Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien, currently on the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad, is another option.

Henne doesn't exactly have a lengthy track record of recent success. In fact, the 15-year NFL veteran has thrown just two regular-season touchdown passes since the 2014 season, and they both came in 2020.

That said, Henne did raise a few eyebrows when he replaced the injured Patrick Mahomes in the Divisional Round of last year's playoffs, leading the Chiefs on a 98-yard scoring drive to help secure a victory.

There's also the matter of Henne's retirement to consider. The Michigan product announced his retirement this past February, and it's unclear if he's interested in an NFL return.

The opportunity is there, however. The Jets have reached out to Henne to gauge his interest in signing with the team to serve as Zach Wilson's backup.

Don't be surprised if the Jets prioritize signing a quarterback who has experience with Hackett, whether that's Henne or someone else.

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