Ranking the top 12 free agent QBs the NY Jets can sign in 2023

9. The NY Jets can sign Baker Mayfield

It wasn't long ago that the Jets were eyeing Baker Mayfield with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Just a few years later, the former No. 1 overall pick could be set to join his fourth NFL team.

Mayfield struggled in Carolina last year but flashed at times late in the season with the Los Angeles Rams. There might be enough for some teams to consider bringing Mayfield in to compete for a starting job.

I don't think that will be in New York, however. Mayfield makes more sense for teams looking for a high-upside fringe starter.

8. The NY Jets can sign Sam Darnold

Wouldn't this be something? With Mayfield gone, the Jets pivoted to Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. Now, much like Mayfield, Darnold is looking for a new home after falling short of expectations in Carolina.

To Darnold's credit, the former USC quarterback looked improved this season, and he certainly had his moments. Still, it won't be enough for the Panthers to bring him back as a starter.

Darnold is in the same boat as Mayfield — a young fringe starter who is looking for another opportunity to compete for a starting job. He won't find that with the Jets, even if a reunion would be a fun storyline.

7. The NY Jets can sign Mike White

There is mutual interest in a reunion between the Jets and Mike White this offseason, but the two sides are going to have to agree on a number first. White proved this past season that his brief flash of brilliance in 2021 wasn't a fluke.

The former fifth-round pick is a legitimate NFL quarterback who, in the right situation, might even be able to start. With the Jets, White would serve as a high-end backup option behind whoever they target this offseason.

The organization loves White, and they would certainly like to have him back, but if another opportunity presents itself elsewhere, it wouldn't surprise me if he left to join a new team.