Jets Need a Mobile Quarterback, Not Aaron Rodgers

The Jets should target these alternatives to Aaron Rodgers, says this former NFL scout.

When looking at the offensive linemen under contract with the Jets right now, what they don't need and what they need becomes real apparent.

New York doesn't need a 39-year old statue in the pocket named Aaron Rodgers. They need a mobile quarterback who can extend and create plays by being able to run too.

It's terrifying when looking at the Jets' current offensive line situation:

• No viable current solutions at offensive tackle under contract
• Center Connor McGovern, the starter for the past three years, is a free agent
• Starting left guard Laken Tomlinson struggled last season
• Starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is coming off of injured-reserve
• Little to no depth under contract

Offensive tackles Mekhi Becton and Max Mitchell are not viable solutions. Becton has missed the past two seasons because he can't control his weight and due to injury. Mitchell has dealt with a blood clot issue and his playing future is up in the air.

Nobody who can't run in their right mind would want to take a snap behind this offensive line. They won't get to "One Mississippi" before getting hit in the mouth.

In my 40 years of watching the game, I've never seen an offensive line in this bad of shape, heading into the off-season.

Free agency isn't going to be the answer either, because the Jets don't have much salary cap wiggle room, and certainly not the kind it takes to sign elite offensive linemen.

That leaves the draft.

Can anyone honestly see Rodgers putting himself behind an offensive line probably featuring two rookie tackles and a rookie center?

I can't.

It's not all doom and gloom, however. If the Jets can land a dual-threat QB (who can pass and run), they will stand a better chance of winning while covering up for the deficiencies on the offensive line.

Who are the top three QB's New York should be considering?

1. Malik Cunningham

Cunningham is a prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Louisville.

When I turned on his college game film, I had to do a double take. He looks just like QB Lamar Jackson, back when Jackson played at Louisville. It's uncanny.

There's five reasons Cunningham will thrive in the NFL

• Quick decision making
• Good downfield ball placement
• Doesn't throw risky passes
• Elite runner (along the lines of Jackson and Chicago's QB Justin Fields)
• Durable playing in 54/62 college games

I've evaluated both of them, and I walked away believing Cunningham is the better passer. I have a first-round grade on Cunningham, that was only further confirmed by a strong showing Saturday at the Senior Bowl.

He's my QB3 in the 2023 NFL Draft class, behind Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Alabama's Bryce Young.

2. Tyler Huntley (restricted free agent)

Keeping in the spirit of the Baltimore Ravens, Huntley is next. This one is kind of tricky though. Huntley, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020, is not free to just sign with any team. The Ravens can "tender" an offer to Huntley, prior to the beginning of free agency due to him being a restricted free agent. A tender offer can come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation as defined by the league's website.

In other words, there's a good chance the Jets would have to compensate Baltimore with a draft choice, depending on the tender offer Baltimore might make.

The wildcard here is Jackson, who's an unrestricted free agent. If Jackson, who's expected to break the bank, leaves, Huntley is the next man up, and he would stay put.

However, if Jackson re-ups with Baltimore and pushes Huntley back to the bench, after showing a lot of promise in 2022, including a strong playoff performance against Cincinnati, he may want to leave for greener pastures.

Huntley had a higher completion percentage than Jackson last season for the Ravens, and he has wheels.

3. Taylor Heinicke (unrestricted free agent)

Right down the road from Baltimore is Washington D.C. and that leads us to Heinicke. His idol growing up was former Packers', Jets', and Vikings' QB Brett Farve. Heinicke plays with a similar style. He's a tough-as-nails gunslinger that the Commanders have never appreciated and have kept trying to replace, despite various successes.

Heinicke has mobility, a good arm, and a lot of heart.

He deserves better.

I love Heinicke as an evaluator, and he would endear himself to the Jets' fanbase in a New York minute. 

MORE:

• Jets Will Go 'All Out' to Trade For Aaron Rodgers This Offseason
• Should Jets Pick Peter Skoronski in First Round of 2023 NFL Draft?
• 3 Reasons Aaron Rodgers Won’t Be Traded to Jets

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