The New York Jets are on the hunt for an upgrade at the quarterback position this offseason. Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was benched twice during the 2022 season and in an ideal world, will be the team’s backup in 2023. Right now, it would be seen as a failure if he is the team’s starter heading into the season.

As a result of that, the team is leaving no stone unturned. They have been linked often to the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. The Jets are also the odds-on favorites to be the next team that Derek Carr plays with after the Las Vegas Raiders released him. A veteran such as Jimmy Garoppolo, given his ties to head coach Robert Saleh, could also make sense.

While those are the names mentioned most prominently, the Jets are limiting themselves. They are casting a very wide net that includes some surprising names. According to Albert Breer via JPA Football, the Jets are exploring all options at quarterback, including Geno Smith and Ryan Tannehill.

Smith is certainly a shocking name to see under consideration by Gang Green. He began his NFL career with the Jets in 2013 as a second-round pick. He started all 16 games as a rookie and went 8-8. His sophomore year was not as productive as he went 3-10 and was benched.

The West Virginia product was a backup after that until this past season when he had a career season with the Seattle Seahawks. It is widely assumed that the Seahawks will place the franchise tag on him, which would take him out of the running for the Jets.

Tannehill is an interesting name as he could be a cap casualty for the Tennessee Titans. Looking to clear space, the Titans could look to trade their starting quarterback or release him. 

The Texas A&M wide receiver turned quarterback has shown that he is capable of producing some solid stats when in the right environment. Would New York be the right environment for him? It would be a bit of a risk acquiring him, but he did lead the Titans to the playoffs in his first three seasons with the franchise before an injury derailed his 2022.

Given the weapons that the Jets have in place offensively and the potential of their offensive line when healthy, Smith and Tannehill would both find success with the team. What it will come down to for the Jets is likely the price, but owner Woody Johnson has made it clear he is willing to pay whatever it takes to upgrade the quarterback position as he feels that is the missing piece for his team.