Do the New York Jets need to add another quarterback?
That question has surfaced in recent weeks after backup Tyrod Taylor underwent surgery for a knee injury. Head coach Aaron Glenn said he is hopeful the veteran will be available for the September 7 season opener, but Taylor will miss the rest of the preseason.
If Taylor cannot suit up in Week 1, the Jets may have to explore adding help. New York worked out C.J. Beathard and Nathan Peterman earlier this week, although they are far from ideal options.
New York might be able to survive a week or two without Taylor. However, if the 36-year-old is expected to miss extended time, the Jets should consider adding someone more reliable than the likes of Beathard and Peterman to fill the backup quarterback spot.
One option could come from across town, where a quarterback on the New York Giants’ roster may be available via trade.
The Jets should entertain a Jameis Winston trade
Justin Fields has never started a full 17-game season in the NFL. Because of his scramble-heavy style and tendency to take sacks, Fields is exposed to more risk than a traditional pocket passer.
The Jets cannot afford to roll with Brady Cook or Adrian Martinez as the top option behind Fields. If Fields were to go down, the team would be left in a precarious position.
That is where Jameis Winston could fit in if New York believes Taylor’s injury will sideline him well into the regular season. While the Jets would have to trade for Winston, the asking price would be minimal.
From the Giants’ perspective, moving Winston would make sense. The organization signed him before the 2025 NFL draft as insurance in case they failed to land a quarterback to develop behind Russell Wilson. They ended up trading into the first round to select Jaxon Dart.
If Wilson were to miss time this season, New York would be more likely to prioritize Dart’s development than turn the keys over to Winston. For that reason, the Giants would be eager to take whatever they can get for someone who amounts to a third-string quarterback. Jets general manager Darren Mougey might be able to land him for a conditional draft pick that only conveys if Winston logs enough playing time.
Winston brings 10 years of NFL experience, leading his teams to a 36-51 record across 87 starts. He started seven games for the Cleveland Browns last season. While Winston is no longer viewed as a long-term starter, he remains one of the most reliable backup quarterbacks.
Without a player like Winston, the Jets could be one Fields injury away from disaster. The hope is that Taylor is ready for Week 1, but if his recovery begins to drag, the Jets should not hesitate to call up their crosstown rivals.