It has been a long time since the Stanford Cardinal have shown competency at the college football level. Yet, interestingly, the New York Jets appear to be quite interested in some of their recent brain trust.
They might also be interested in one of their better arms.
The hiring of Frank Reich as Gang Green’s offensive coordinator and play-caller means the former Cardinal head coach will bring his philosophy to the table. Reich has since brought many former assistants — Thomas Merkle, Al Netter, and Matthew Sargent — from Stanford as well.
Why should the Jets stop at just bringing in coaches from Stanford, though? There’s a perfectly solid starting caliber quarterback available in a trade this offseason that fits the same mold as well.
Better yet, he won’t cost as much as once perceived.
The Jets’ Stanford connection
The New York Jets need to find a starting quarterback who won’t cost the organization a bevy of draft resources. Some veterans make sense based on that regard.
Only one, though, fits what the Jets are looking for, while also bringing the Cardinal connection to the table.
Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee has never been given the keys to a franchise. As a former sixth-round pick, the Stanford product has only played sparingly in late moments over the last few years.
McKee, 25, is entering the offseason with the goal of setting the stage for his fourth NFL season. As per usual, the rumors about the potential of him becoming a starting quarterback for a quarterback-hungry franchise continue to run rampant.
Even last offseason, rumors linking the Eagles’ backup to the Jets lived in the digital sports media space. This was particularly the case once it became clear that Aaron Rodgers wasn’t returning for the 2025 season.
Why is this the case when the sixth-round pick (2023) has only played six professional games, starting just two? Well, the tape doesn’t lie.
McKee completed over 60 percent of his passes for over 500 yards, four touchdowns, and just a single interception. He has also played well in each preseason action he has seen over the years.
A precedent
In many ways, McKee is similar to what Matt Schaub was for the Atlanta Falcons in the mid-2000s. Schaub was drafted as a backup quarterback to Michael Vick, earning a starting job only after the Houston Texans targeted him in his fourth pro season (2007).
Schaub became a Pro Bowl quarterback with the Texans and led them to their first playoff appearance in franchise history. He was never supposed to become a franchise quarterback; he was merely a good backup.
Plans are just that … plans. Matt Schaub ultimately turned into a starting quarterback.
McKee has the potential to be a Schaub-type quarterback for a team willing to give him the opportunity to start. Philadelphia will most likely look to trade him this offseason to get ahead of any draft potential. His current contract stands at a cap hit of just $1.1 million.
Imagine a starting quarterback on that kind of salary.
The Jets will have a new quarterback this upcoming season. With over $70 million in cap space, the less they have to spend on a veteran quarterback, the more resources they can pull to other positions.
Reich’s offensive system has always fit a tall, big-armed quarterback. McKee, standing 6-foot-6, fits that mold perfectly. Add in his quality play at Stanford, and the Jets have everything they need to bring him in with a chance to be a starter.
In any case, if Tanner McKee actually comes to fruition, the New York Jets may be rechristening their name to the Gotham Cardinal after the next few months. Shoot, their offensive coaching staff may be enough to justify the nickname change.
