The NY Jets have been neglecting the backup quarterback position for far too long, and the consequences of that decision were demonstrated in 2023. The absence of a capable backup quarterback was a major factor in the Jets’ offence collapsing after Aaron Rodgers’ injury.
During his press conference earlier this month to mark the end of the season, Jets general manager Joe Douglas appeared to admit this. Additionally, he raised his hand, indicating that the Jets would almost certainly add an experienced backup quarterback this offseason.
Given that Rodgers will be forty years old and recovering from an Achilles tear, it makes sense for the Jets to add some reliable protection behind him. The Jets cannot afford for the previous season to repeat themselves.
The squad will need a seasoned backup, but who might be in the market? The Jets should think about pursuing these five seasoned backup quarterbacks this offseason.
Teddy Bridgewater was available to the Jets during the previous summer. It wasn’t until August that the former first-round choice of the Minnesota Vikings inked a one-year, $3 million contract with the Detroit Lions.
Dalvin Cook would sign a double-contract with the Jets five days later. Given another chance, the Jets probably wouldn’t choose the same course of action.
This offseason, they ought to get another chance to sign Bridgewater. Despite just playing in one game as Jared Goff’s primary backup in 2023, the 31-year-old has made 65 career starts and developed into one of the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks.
Although Bridgewater’s playing days may be over, he has established himself as a solid bridge quarterback and elite backup. The Jets ought to search for precisely that during the offseason.