Could New York Jets prefer other QB options to Derek Carr?
With the New York Jets being closely linked to Aaron Rodgers, there’s been a mantra of “Rodgers or Bust” for much of the Jets’ fanbase.
But what happens if the Jets don’t or aren’t able to acquire the 39-year-old signal caller?
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky believes that if the Jets strike out on Aaron Rodgers, the team could be more willing to target Jimmy Garoppolo or Ryan Tannehill than Derek Carr.
If the @nyjets canโt or donโt want to get Rodgers Iโd bet theyโre much more willing to go after Jimmy G or Tannehill than they are Carr.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) February 16, 2023
While Orlovsky took a lot of heat for the above tweet, that didn’t stop him from doubling down. Orlovsky explained that he feels the Jets would prefer to go after the “least risky” option, citing their desire to play good defense and run the football under a defensive-minded head coach in Robert Saleh. He thinks Garoppolo and Tannehill fit that bill better than Carr.
They need to go to playoffs or fired. If youโre rolling the diceโyouโre rolling it with who you deem to be the least risky. Defensive minded HCโplay good D, run ball, donโt lose game QBโฆ.thatโs Jimmy g and Tannehill in their eyes (is my guess)
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) February 16, 2023
To me, the reasoning is correct, but the outcome is less than ideal.
I agree that it’s likely Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas lose their jobs if the team underperforms, but I don’t think Garoppolo or Tannehill are good routes for the Jets to take, for the reasons highlighted by our own Michael Nania.
One thing is for certain, however. If the Jets miss out on both Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr, there are going to be plenty of unhappy Jets fans.

