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The New York Jets were dealt some tough news on Monday, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Russell Wilson, the leading candidate to be the Jets' backup quarterback, has decided to accept the CBS Sports TV gig he was offered.
The Jets had a contract offer on the table for Wilson, but he turned the Jets' deal down to leave the NFL behind for a TV gig. It's a tough blow for the Jets, but now, they have to move on and find a new backup for Geno Smith to compete with Cade Klubnik.
But, this late in the offseason, who could the Jets even consider as their backup quarterback? Three options stand out as intriguing free agent or trade options this offseason for the Jets.
3 backup QB options for Jets after Russell Wilson joins CBS Sports
1. Tanner McKee, Philadelphia Eagles
While the Jets trading for another quarterback might not be ideal, adding Tanner McKee in a trade would make some sense.
He's in the final year of his rookie contract, so he likely won't cost more than a late Day 3 pick. McKee showed a bit of upside with the Philadelphia Eagles over the last few years, and with a strong offensive supporting cast, this might be a good fit.
2. Desmond Ridder, Free Agent
Desmond Ridder might not be a very appealing option, but for a Jets team in dire need of more quarterback depth after losing Wilson to a TV gig, he wouldn't be the worst option.
Of the free agent quarterbacks, Ridder might be the best one they could get. He's had a few moments in the NFL and has 4,002 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his NFL career.
MORE: ESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong
While McKee and plenty of the other top QB options for the Jets backup job might be trade targets, Ridder is likely their best bet in free agency to land a quarterback who could potentially be a decent option behind Smith in 2026.
3. Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears
Lastly, the Jets could go out and acquire Tyson Bagent from the Chicago Bears. There have been rumors about Bagent being available for trade this offseason, and he'd make a lot of sense for the Jets.
He's shown some flashes here and there in his NFL career so far, and he will be a free agent after the season, so the Jets wouldn't have to give up a lot to get him. Chicago is open to a Bagent trade, and so too should the Jets.
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