June 30, 2026, 1:53 p.m. ET
The New York Jets entered the 2026 NFL offseason with the intention of acquiring two veteran quarterbacks.
The team reunited with Geno Smith to be their starter in 2026, but the second veteran never arrived. As of now, fourth-round rookie Cade Klubik is primed to be Smith’s backup with Bailey Zappe also involved.
The Jets explored options. Russell Wilson was one of them, but he ultimately opted for retirement (for now).
If the Jets still prefer to acquire a veteran backup this offseason, Jets Wire identified three quarterbacks they could trade for before training camp starts.
The Philadelphia Eagles have Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, and rookie Cole Payton at quarterback. You’d have to think one of those veteran backup quarterbacks will be expendable this summer. The 38-year-old Dalton could be the Jets’ most realistic target.
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The Titans have struck numerous trades with the Tennessee Titans lately, acquiring Jarvis Brownlee and T’Vondre Sweat from them. What about quarterback Will Levis? The Titans have essentially admitted defeat on Levis by drafting Cam Ward and signing Mitch Trubisky.
With Joe Burrow healthy, would the Cincinnati Bengals consider trading Joe Flacco? They’ve got another veteran backup on the roster is 40-year-old Josh Johnson. Flacco played for the Jets for three seasons (2020-22) and would be an upgrade behind Smith.