Mel Kiper suggests QB in draft for the Jets, but there's a way to complement that strategy with a steal in free agency
The New York Jets will have a tough task to replace Aaron Rodgers in 2025. On the Detroit Lions, head coach Aaron Glenn saw the value of having a competent starter during the rebuild phase with Jared Goff, but general manager Darren Mougey was on the Denver Broncos when they drafted Bo Nix. There's a […]
The New York Jets will have a tough task to replace Aaron Rodgers in 2025. On the Detroit Lions, head coach Aaron Glenn saw the value of having a competent starter during the rebuild phase with Jared Goff, but general manager Darren Mougey was on the Denver Broncos when they drafted Bo Nix.
There's a way, though, for the Jets to do both strategies at the same time. And one could support the other, especially if New York makes sure to get a good value in free agency to sign a veteran.
Rookie
In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper suggested the Jets might take Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. His idea is that Sanders could start right away for a younger team, with talented offensive pieces.
"The Jets, however, might favor drafting a quarterback over trying another veteran. Because they are moving on from Aaron Rodgers, they could opt for the high-end accuracy and field vision of Sanders in an offense that has plenty of pieces already in place. In 2024, Sanders completed 74.0% of his passes, had 4,134 passing yards and threw 37 TDs. Those are all top-four numbers in the FBS.
Sanders would elevate this New York team that was near the bottom of the league in most passing metrics this past season and allow it to build around his rookie contract. The youthful combination of Sanders, receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall could do some damage. (By the way, Sanders won't be throwing in Indianapolis this week as he sits out the workouts.)"
Veteran
However, there's another viable scenario. Earlier this week, our team at A to Z Sports made a list of the most valuable free agent options at each position, and the quarterback chosen is former first-round pick Justin Fields, who spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after three seasons on the Chicago Bears.
Fields has had more downs than ups in the NFL, and it's hard to see him reaching the full potential most people expected when he was drafted four years ago.
Nevertheless, Fields is still young (he will be 26 by next season), won't be very expensive, and is coming off his best season. In ten games, including six starts for the Steelers, he had a 93.3 passer rating, in addition to his unquestionable athletic ability and running production.
By signing Justin Fields and taking Shedeur Sanders at the same time, the Jets would have a bridge quarterback with real upside, while they take the due time to develop Sanders. If Fields is good, great—and they will have a positive problem to solve later. If he is not, the Jets will have a high pick again in 2026 and their long-term quarterback in place.
It's not the worst place to be in.
Aaron Rodgers could reportedly be open to sign a cheaper deal to play for his preferred destination
Rodgers wants to compete for championships
