Jets Signing Ex AFC East Rival Quarterback as Aaron Rodgers Backup?

The New York Jets may be wise to consider the services of free agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who has experience playing in the AFC East.

Following a dismal 7-10 finish in 2023, the New York Jets may be in for an action-packed offseason. 

Based on the recent “decree” of team owner Woody Johnson, the Jets purportedly in the market for a backup to starter Aaron Rodgers while exploring trade options for 2021 No. 2 overall selection Zach Wilson. To do so, they may look to either the Draft or free agency to fill the role. 

Should they choose the latter, a name the Jets might be smart to consider is Washington Commanders quarterback — and former New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins backup — Jacoby Brissett. 

Should the NewYork Jets consider signing quarterback Jacoby Brissett? / Cred: USA Today Images

Brissett began his NFL career as a third-round (No. 91 overall) by the Patriots in the 2016 NFL Draft. Since that time, the 31-year-old has appeared in 79 games, while starting in 48. He made two starts for New England in his rookie season in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo and suspended Tom Brady, while earning a championship ring for the Patriots 34-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. 

Brissett was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2017 offseason. He spent his first two seasons in Indy as the backup to starter Andrew Luck and reserve Scott Tolzien, before ascending to the starting role after Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019. He returned to a reserve spot when the team signed former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in 2020. In four years with the Colts, he completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 6059 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also ran for 500 yards and 11 rushing scores. 

After a pair of one year stints with the Dolphins (2021) and Cleveland Browns (2022) — where he earned then career-highs in completions percentage (64.0) and passer rating (88.9) — Brissett signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Commanders last March. He served as Sam Howell’s primary backup until Week 15, when he relieved Washington’s starter against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the team’s 28–20 loss, Brissett logged 124 yards on eight passes and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. When Howell was benched a second time in the following game against the New York Jets, Brissett led three straight touchdown drives to erase a 20-point deficit. Though theteam eventually lost 30–28, the NC State product was impressive, completing 10 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown.

It appeared Brissett had won the starting job for Washington’s penultimate game in Week 17 when former coach Ron Rivera announced that he would get the nod against the San Francisco 49ers. However, Brissett injured his hamstring during practice and was later ruled out. He ultimately finished the season having completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. 

Sam Howell To Jets: Gang Green 'Likes' Commanders' Quarterback?

Having acquired Rodgers in an offseason trade with the Green Bay Packers, New York’s expectations were high heading into 2023. However, several key injuries — including Rodgers’ suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 —as well as poor quarterback play from reserves Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle led to an overall disappointing season. 

Though Rodgers is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, the presence of an established, veteran backup such as Brissett could help to quell any uncertainty at the position. Most importantly, it would prevent the possibility of last season’s history repeating. 

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