If you’re trying to keep track of the New York Jets quarterback room right now, honestly, you probably need a spreadsheet and a strong drink. It has been a wild 24 months. Remember the Aaron Rodgers era? It feels like a lifetime ago, even though it only officially ended recently with a pretty messy breakup that saw Rodgers heading to Pittsburgh.
Now, we’re staring at a roster that looks nothing like what we expected. If you're asking who are jets quarterbacks today, you aren't just looking for a list of names. You're looking for an explanation of how a team goes from a Hall of Fame savior to a developmental project and a bunch of "what if" scenarios.
The Current State of the Depth Chart
Right now, the guy at the top of the pile is Brady Cook. If that name doesn't immediately ring a bell, don't feel bad. He was an undrafted rookie who stepped into a chaotic situation and somehow became the primary name on the depth chart. He’s young, he’s raw, and he’s basically the face of the "new era" under General Manager Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn.
Then you've got the veterans. Tyrod Taylor is still in the building, though his status is always a bit up in the air given his age and contract situation. He’s 36 now. He’s the ultimate "pro's pro," the guy you bring in when everything else is on fire, but he’s heading toward free agency.
The Jets also just made a move that raised some eyebrows: signing Bailey Zappe. He’s 26, has some starting experience from his days in New England and Cleveland, and is essentially a low-risk lottery ticket.
And then there's Justin Fields. Yeah, that happened. The Jets took a $40 million swing on him, and to put it bluntly, it didn't really work out. He struggled with a 2-7 record before getting benched and eventually landing on Injured Reserve. He’s still under contract for 2026, but it feels like the team is already looking past him.
📖 Related: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
The Guys in the Room (January 2026)
- Brady Cook: The incumbent starter/developmental hope.
- Tyrod Taylor: The veteran safety net (pending free agency).
- Justin Fields: The high-priced experiment currently on IR.
- Bailey Zappe: The recent addition looking for a career resurgence.
- Jordan Travis: The 2024 fifth-round pick who has been a major "what if" due to injury setbacks.
What Really Happened with the Aaron Rodgers Departure?
It was suppose to be the "Greatest Show on Surf" or something equally catchy. Instead, it was a soap opera. Rodgers' first year ended in four snaps. His second year was... okay? He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, which are actually top-tier numbers for this franchise, but the vibe was just off.
The breakup wasn't clean. The Jets' new regime, led by Glenn and Mougey, decided it was time to move on and build something younger. Rodgers didn't exactly go quietly, either. After he signed with the Steelers and led them to a division title, he’s been taking shots at the Jets’ organization, calling out "leaks in the boat" and praising Pittsburgh as a "special place"—a clear jab at Florham Park.
For Jets fans, it’s a familiar sting. Seeing a former quarterback succeed elsewhere while your own team is back at square one is basically the franchise motto at this point.
The Jordan Travis Mystery
You can't talk about who are jets quarterbacks without mentioning the weird situation with Jordan Travis. He was the Florida State star everyone was excited about. A fifth-round steal, right?
Well, it’s been a mess. There were reports from his agent that the previous coaching staff tried to rush his rehab from that gruesome leg injury he suffered in college. That allegedly caused major setbacks—swelling, soreness, the whole nine yards. He spent his entire rookie year on the non-football injury list.
👉 See also: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
There was even a point where he scrubbed the Jets from his social media. Kinda dramatic, right? But Aaron Glenn has been vocal about giving him a chance to compete once he’s 100% healthy. Whether he can actually push Brady Cook or a potential high draft pick is the million-dollar question.
Why the 2026 Draft Changes Everything
The most important thing to know about the Jets' quarterback situation isn't actually on the roster yet. Because the 2025 season was, let’s be honest, a bit of a disaster, the Jets are sitting with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They also have the No. 16 pick (thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade). They have more draft capital in the top 45 than almost anyone else.
This is where names like Dante Moore from Oregon or Fernando Mendoza from Indiana come into play. The consensus among experts like those at SNY is that the Jets actually have a great "ecosystem" now. They have an offensive line with Olu Fashanu and Joe Tippmann. They have Breece Hall (hopefully re-signed) and Garrett Wilson.
Whoever the Jets pick at No. 2 isn't walking into the same disaster Sam Darnold or Zach Wilson did. They're walking into a team that has the bones of a contender but just needs someone who doesn't turn the ball over three times a game.
✨ Don't miss: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
The "Bridge" vs. The "Future"
Management is at a crossroads. Do they:
- Draft the Kid: Take Moore or a similar prospect at No. 2 and start them Day 1.
- The Veteran Bridge: Re-sign Tyrod Taylor or trade for someone like Kyler Murray (which has been rumored) to start while the rookie sits.
- The Open Competition: Let Cook, Zappe, and a rookie fight it out in training camp.
Honestly, knowing this team, it’ll probably be a mix of all three. They’ve exhausted every option, from the "Hall of Fame Vet" to the "First Round Bust Refurbishment."
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the revolving door at MetLife, here is what you need to watch over the next few months:
- Monitor the Legal/Cap Situation of Justin Fields: His $20 million salary for 2026 is a huge anchor. If they can find a trade partner or work a restructure, it opens up room for a big free-agent splash.
- Watch the Pro Days: Since the Jets have the No. 2 pick, the workouts for Dante Moore and other top QBs are basically the most important dates on the calendar.
- Check the Injury Reports on Jordan Travis: If he’s finally practicing without limitations by OTAs, he becomes a massive "wild card" that could save them from having to overspend on a backup.
- Follow Darren Mougey’s Pressers: The GM hasn't been shy about saying they will "exhaust every option." If he stops talking about "development" and starts talking about "veteran leadership," expect a trade.
The Jets' quarterback room is a puzzle with half the pieces missing and the other half from three different sets. But for the first time in a while, they have the draft picks and the cap space to actually finish the picture.