In case it wasn’t already clear, the New York Jets need a starting quarterback … badly.

After a 3-14 start that saw three different signal-callers lead the offense throughout the season, the need for stability and competency has never been greater. New York should be able to find a rookie in the upcoming NFL draft.

But the draft isn’t the only place where the Jets can find their future franchise quarterback. As playoff teams prepare for the road ahead, some of their backups are intriguing starter options for other organizations.

In this case, the defending Super Bowl champions have the perfect backup for the Jets’ quarterback room.

Tanner McKee remains a perfect fit

Tanner McKee has been the backup to Jalen Hurts since he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 draft. He has grown from a quarterback project to one of the better backups in the league.

After three seasons in Philly, it’s time for him to get a chance to show what he can do as a starter. And that’s something he proved again on Sunday.

While the Eagles rested a majority of their starters, McKee put forth a quality start in their 24-17 loss to Washington. He went 21 of 40 for 241 yards and a touchdown. While he did throw an interception, he consistently moved the ball up and down the field for the Eagles in the loss.

In his career, McKee has completed over 60 percent of his passes for four touchdowns while playing sparingly behind a Super Bowl MVP. He has one final year left on his rookie deal, and as a pure pocket quarterback, he can run a functioning NFL offense that requires quarterbacks to step up in the pocket and deliver timely passes.

It’s what the Jets sorely need.

Jets QB plans

The good news for the Jets surrounding McKee is two-pronged. First, Sunday’s contest against Washington was easily McKee’s worst action since being drafted by the Eagles. The fact that we can confidently say this demonstrates how well he has performed in spot starts.

What makes the news even better is that the performance will undoubtedly lower the asking price from Philadelphia for any potential trade offer that comes in.

Instead of a second-round pick, McKee may be had for significantly less. That’s a perfect kind of deal for a team like the Jets, who will want a long-term plan outside of the “Mormon Missile.”

New York could follow a similar approach to how the Seattle Seahawks handled things in 2011. Seattle signed backup-turned starter Matt Flynn with the expectation that he would be the starting quarterback.

He was eventually replaced before even playing a game, thanks to the arrival of Russell Wilson.

New York needs both a long-term and short-term plan to fix their quarterback room. McKee provides the kind of veteran presence required, while also allowing a rookie quarterback to grow into the offense.

It remains the smart move for the New York Jets.