Shedeur Sanders could emerge as Jets target after Giants’ QB signing

The New York Jets made their quarterback plans for 2025 abundantly clear early in the offseason, signing Justin Fields to a two-year deal that positions him as the likely starter this season.

Fields gives the Jets a high-upside, dual-threat playmaker to build around in the short-term, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re done adding to their quarterback room.

If the right opportunity presents itself in the draft, the Jets could still look to invest in a young quarterback. And after the New York Giants signed Russell Wilson on Tuesday, a new opportunity may have just emerged — one that could unexpectedly put Shedeur Sanders in play for Gang Green.

The Giants officially agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Wilson on Tuesday, adding him to a quarterback room that already features veteran Jameis Winston and everyone's favorite Italian-American QB, Tommy DeVito.

The addition of Wilson doesn't rule out the possibility that the Giants target a quarterback, specifically Sanders, with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, but it does seem to make it a little less likely.

Russell Wilson signing could open the door for NY Jets to draft Shedeur Sanders

The Giants will still have an opportunity to draft Sanders if they want to, but the Wilson signing gives a team that was desperate for a quarterback a lot more flexibility heading into the draft. The organization was in dire straits prior to the Wilson addition.

If the Giants entered the draft with Winston and DeVito as the only two quarterbacks under contract, the team would have felt significant pressure to draft a QB early. That's especially true given the uncertain futures of both head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.

Now, the Giants can still draft Sanders if they love him as a prospect, but they could also stay put and likely land one of either Colorado's Travis Hunter or Penn State's Abdul Carter.

Unless the Cleveland Browns, who are still expected to add to their QB room, select Sanders at No. 2 overall, this could set up a scenario where the former Colorado star slides on draft day. He could slide all the way to the Jets at pick No. 7.

Like the Giants, the Jets should feel no pressure to draft a quarterback this year. Fields gives the Jets a competent bridge starter with the allure of upside, while Tyrod Taylor gives the team a reliable veteran backup to complete their quarterback room. The Jets don't need to draft a quarterback, but they could.

The Jets have been connected to rumors surrounding Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart in recent weeks. It's fair to wonder if Sanders could be a possibility if he's still on the board when the Jets pick.

The former Jackson State star is arguably the most NFL-ready quarterback prospect in this year's class. While he lacks elite arm talent and athleticism, Sanders is an extremely intelligent and accurate passer who should be able to step in and run an NFL offense from day one.

The Jets wouldn't necessarily need him to do that, but if the organization has a strong enough conviction about him as a prospect, they might consider drafting him regardless.

At the very least, the Wilson signing could expand the Jets’ quarterback options — and in the NFL, having more options at the most important position is never a bad thing.

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