Did a 2-time Super Bowl champion just change the Jets’ backup quarterback plans?

If you thought Geno Smith was the only former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback worth bringing in for the New York Jets this offseason, maybe you limited your imagination.

After reportedly contemplating retirement, Jimmy Garoppolo is evidently open to returning for his 13th season, per a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Garoppolo, who turns 35 in November, has spent the last two seasons backing up Matthew Stafford on the Rams.

Garoppolo remained unsigned as of publication. Although Rams coach Sean McVay has publicly said he’d be interested in bringing Garoppolo back, it’s worth noting that they used a first-round pick on Alabama’s Ty Simpson this past spring.

Assuming that Garoppolo is willing to keep his options open, Darren Mougey and the Jets should absolutely call the two-time Super Bowl champion.

Why Jimmy Garoppolo makes perfect sense for the New York Jets

At this stage in his career, teams likely know what they’re getting from Garoppolo. He’s a competent starter with a lengthy injury history, and his best days are likely behind him. The best-case scenario for him is likely the Andy Dalton or Joe Flacco path of sticking around through your late 30s and inevitably starting when mediocre teams need a quarterback change.

But everything considered, that’s not a bad life. Dalton received nearly $6 million in guaranteed money when he signed a two-year deal with the Panthers in 2025. Who needs to start and get beaten into the ground when you can stand on the sidelines with a headset and tablet, knowing your bank account is getting a sizable increase solely by showing up to the stadium?

By now, you’re familiar with the Jets’ quarterback situation. Barring disaster, Geno Smith will start Week 1 against the Titans, and Bailey Zappe or fourth-round Cade Klubnik will likely be the backup. It’s unclear whether the Jets would carry Zappe on the 53-man roster if Klubnik wins the No. 2 job.

I’ve been strongly against the idea of trading for a quarterback, even those still on their rookie deals. Signing Garoppolo to be the backup and giving Klubnik a full year to develop, though, isn’t the worst idea.

Unless you’re a devout believer in the overrated art of tanking, then you likely want the Jets to win a few games this year. And while I’m an outspoken Klubnik supporter and I have a soft spot for Zappe, I also think that Garoppolo is a better short-term quarterback than either.

However, the knock against Garoppolo is his inability to stay healthy, which cost him his job in San Francisco multiple times. If not for Brock Purdy, who knows where the 49ers would be? 

At least the Jets don’t need to worry about their own Trey Lance-like conundrum … yet. 

In all seriousness, though, I suggest the Jets at least see if Garoppolo is willing to sign. He’s been part of many successful teams, even quarterbacking the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance following the 2019 season. The worst-case scenario is that the Jets stick with Klubnik and Zappe while also potentially keeping their eyes on next year’s draft. 

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