Ranking every NY Jets starting quarterback since 1990

9. Neil O'Donnell, QB, NY Jets

The third and final quarterback on this list to start during the Jets' ill-fated 1996 season, Neil O'Donnell was the big-money free-agent signing who never panned out in New York.

O'Donnell started the first six games of the 1996 season, losing all of them before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the year. He ranks so high on this list, however, because of what he did the next year.

O'Donnell returned as the starter in 1997 and actually put together a very solid season. The former Pro Bowler finished with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions as the Jets improved from 1-15 to 9-7 in Bill Parcells' first year as the team's head coach.

Many will remember O'Donnell for his shortcomings, but he was a quality game manager in that 1997 season. He deserves a spot in the top 10.

8. Josh McCown, QB, NY Jets

Another veteran who served as a quality game manager for the Jets is Josh McCown. Very little was expected of McCown when the Jets signed him ahead of the 2017 season, but he actually put together one of the best single-season QB performances for the Jets in years.

McCown finished with 18 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, completing an excellent 67 percent of his passes that nearly matched a franchise record. He was even garnering Pro Bowl consideration early in the year.

Of course, McCown's second season with the Jets wouldn't prove nearly as fruitful as he struggled when filling in for the injured Darnold. Still, that 2017 season was impressive.

7. Ken O'Brien, QB, NY Jets

Remember, this list is only accounting for a player's contributions from 1990 to the present day. If this list included all of Ken O'Brien's career, he would most definitely rank higher.

O'Brien started 35 games with the Jets from 1990-1992 and even made the Pro Bowl in 1991, although he still threw more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (10). He helped lead the Jets to one of three playoff appearances during his tenure that year.

Everyone will always remember that the Jets passed on Dan Marino to draft O'Brien, but the New York native had a quality NFL career. He earns the No. 7 spot on this list based solely on his final three years with the Jets.