Jets staying patient as free agent QB market begins to take shape

Jets general manager Darren Mougey spent the first day of free agency addressing the defense.

Now the question is when he is going to get to the offense, specifically quarterback?

There were a flurry of quarterback moves Monday, but there are still players the Jets are believed to be targeting available. 

The biggest news came from one of their AFC East rivals.

The Dolphins announced they would be releasing Tua Tagovailoa on Wednesday.

They subsequently agreed to a deal with former Packers quarterback Malik Willis, considered to be the top free agent quarterback available.

Tagovailoa is expected to sign with the Falcons. 

The Jets are monitoring the market, including two other starting quarterbacks that are being released by their teams — Kyler Murray and Geno Smith.

There was no news on either of them Monday. Murray has been linked to the Vikings in many places, but nothing solid has come out about the two sides yet.

Smith is a more likely option for the Jets and his return to the team got a boost Monday with Willis going to Miami.

Smith grew up in South Florida and the Dolphins were viewed as one of his potential destinations. 

There was also some backup quarterback news that could affect the Jets.

Gardner Minshew signed with the Cardinals.

The Jets would have interest if Arizona wants to move on from Jacoby Brissett, who has played for Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich before.

But reports out of Arizona indicated that the Cardinals could view Brissett as their starter and Minshew as his backup.

The Commanders re-signed Marcus Mariota and the Titans signed former Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, taking two potential backup options off the board for the Jets.

The Panthers also signed Kenny Pickett to back up Bryce Young.

That could make Andy Dalton available.

He played for Reich in Carolina in 2023. 

The Jets did not add a wide receiver Monday.

They could look at the trade market for a second receiver opposite Garrett Wilson.

SNY reported that the Jaguars are listening to offers for Brian Thomas Jr., who could be an intriguing option.

It also appears the Jets will need a guard after John Simpson signed with the Ravens and Alijah Vera-Tucker is expected to leave in free agency, too.