Jets expected to change their minds on a Tyrod Taylor reunion in 2026

There are plenty of needs for the New York Jets this offseason, but none are as big as the quarterback position.

Justin Fields and the $40 million experiment didn't work out as planned, and the Jets now need to explore veteran and rookie quarterback options moving forward.

While Tyrod Taylor was initially an option for the 2026 season, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the odds of Taylor returning to the Jets look very slim based on their changed stance on a reunion with the 37-year-old QB.

Jets not expected to re-sign Tyrod Taylor amid QB room makeover

"The Jets told Taylor at the end of the season that they're interested in running it back," Cimini writes, "But the landscape has changed since then. There's a new offensive coordinator (Frank Reich) and a new system to be installed, and they're expected to prioritize other quarterbacks in free agency and in potential trades."

This report from Cimini reveals a good bit of information about the Jets' plans at quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.

Taylor, despite initially being given the indication that the Jets were open to bringing him back, is looking to move on from Taylor and explore other options.

Since the end of the year, the Jets have seemingly changed their tune on a lot of plans. Wink Martindale didn't become the defensive coordinator after initially seeming like the lock for the job.

More: Jets rumor links New York to $12 million Super Bowl-winning QB after Frank Reich hire

Another issue for the Jets came up when they changed offensive coordinators weeks after the season ended, moving on from Tanner Engstrand and hiring Frank Reich well after most teams knew they needed to hire new coaches.

The Taylor situation is similar in that the Jets' initial plan is no longer in the cards. Taylor is set to walk, as the Jets gear up to make over the quarterback room this offseason.

Whether it's a free agent signing or a trade, the Jets are going to add multiple new quarterbacks this offseason.

While Fields' future with the team is a bit more uncertain, Taylor's future is likely cemented with this report indicating that the 37-year-old, who made four starts for the Jets in 2025, won't be coming back for the 2026 season.

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