Miami QB Cam WardRich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With Rodgers set to be a part of the Jets’ past, it’s time to target a new quarterback of the future in the 2025 draft. Things didn’t work out with Zach Wilson or with Sam Darnold before him. However, those draft busts seem to be the result of organizational failure, not necessarily the players themselves.
Darnold has been above-average as the Vikings’ starter this season, while Rodgers has been no better than Wilson.
If the season ended today, the Jets would have a top-10 selection, putting them in prime position to make a quarterback move. Miami’s Cam Ward, the top-ranked quarterback on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s draft board, represents a good place to start the search.
“Cam Ward is among the most gifted throwers in the NFL draft class,” Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. “The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is growing among NFL scouts.”
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is also trending as a top first-round selection. While he might not possess Ward’s ceiling, the precise pocket passer may carry a higher floor.
Other quarterbacks to consider early in the draft include Georgia’s Carson Beck, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.
If the Jets have a preference among the top QB prospects, it’ll likely come from the incoming front office. New York could take a flier on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, perhaps, but the draft should be the franchise’s first choice for a quarterback. Fields has shown flashes, but, ideally, the Jets won’t be drafting in the top 10 again for the foreseeable future.
Regardless of who the Jets select to be the QB of the future, it would be wise to add an experienced mentor to the quarterback room. Rushing Darnold and Wilson onto the field didn’t work, and New York needs to leave room for a more patient approach.
Retaining Tyrod Taylor or signing a quarterback like Jacoby Brissett, Taylor Heinicke or Andy Dalton would make a ton of sense.
Most importantly, perhaps, the Jets need to pave the way for a young quarterback by bolstering their offensive line. The line has remained an issue this season, even if the 26 sacks allowed don’t seem egregious.
Preparing rookie Olu Fashanu to start full-time at left tackle should be at the center of the game plan. Targeting a versatile offensive lineman like Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea in the draft would also make a ton of sense.
Savaiinaea could be a candidate to start at right tackle or kick inside to guard.
The Jets may also need to make a tough decision on the future of guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is set to play on the fifth-year option in 2025. Vera-Tucker has been mostly dependable when healthy—though he’s allowed four sacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus—but injuries have been an issue for him.
New York might be smart to try Vera-Tucker back at right tackle, where he spent time in 2023, and pursue a top free-agent guard like Kansas City’s Trey Smith, the second-ranked player on B/R’s 2025 free agent board.
Finding a new coach and quarterback will be a given. The Jets must also focus on forging a line that can allow both to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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