Monday will signal a major chapter and a major spin in the Darren Mougey-Aaron Glenn era.
It will mark the free-agent tampering period before it becomes official Wednesday.
But in all likelihood, we’ll see some movement Monday. There could be some at quarterback, the centerpiece of their make despite an overwhelming collection of backups and untested rookies.
Where do the Jets go? There is a growing speculation that they will follow the Giants’ plan of last season with two veterans and a drafted one.
According to Sportrac, there are 28 free-agent quarterbacks on the market.
The two-veteran plan is a bridge to the 2027 quarterback class that is more attractive than April’s (See Texas’ sArch Manning, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, and Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss).
Jacoby Brissett, who did have a successful statistical year with the Cardinals, has risen to the top of the list. But this would be a trade and the Cards seem comfortable with him in the desert.
They did release Kyler Murray, but he isn’t worth the gamble. Murray is rumored to be headed to Minnesota to revive his career.
With new offensive coordinator Frank Reich in the house, Kirk Cousins’ and Carson Wentz’s stock has risen. Cousins could be a safe gamble, but he has had trouble getting teams to the next level. Wentz, who was successful with Reich in Philly, is a longshot as a backup, and a bigger one as a starter.
Could we see a return of Geno Smith or Zack Wilson to the Meadowlands? Not likely. Want Jimmy Garoppolo or Marcus Mariota? Nope. Or how about ageless 41-year-old Joe Flacco? Not happening. Does Tyrod Taylor come back? Nah.
If Mougey really wanted to make a splash, how about bringing back Aaron Rodgers? Aside from returning to Pittsburgh, he hasn’t been mentioned.
Malik Willis will be at the top of the list for Miami, Atlanta, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Arizona.
At 26, Willis would be a permanent solution for the Jets, and they would have to offer him in the range of $20-30 million and forgo a 2027 draftee. They could do it, but they want to spread out their $83 million in cap space, and want a 2027 potential franchise quarterback.
One quarterback slipping under the radar is Philly’s Tanner McKee, who has impressed in his short showing and garbage time. However, he isn’t a free agent, but he could be pried away for a decent price. Reich has close ties with Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni, and he likes McKee.
The combination of McKee and Wentz would work with Reich.
Another solution is to draft Miami’s Carson Beck, who played over 40 college games, and sign a veteran like Cousins or trade for Brissett.
There’s plenty of possibilities and plenty of solutions.
Mougey and Glenn will spin the wheel Monday.
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