For the second straight season, the New York Jets are back at square one, trying to figure out who exactly will be their starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
With free agency slated to begin next week, the rumor mill is swirling, with recent reports of the released Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray being someone of interest for the Jets’ starting position. Murray was set to receive $36.8 million in money, making his new contract, which is set around $1.3 to $1.5 million, a bargain for a team like the Jets.
However, he isn’t the only veteran who could potentially be on the open market this offseason. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that the Jets could have interest in potentially adding former Miami Dolphins passer Tua Tagovailoa in free agency.
The Dolphins will “almost certainly” designate Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 release to help offset some of the $99 million-plus in dead money it will cost to cut ties with him, as reported by ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Like Murray, Tagovailoa would likely sign a veteran contract for one season worth around the same price range. The 28-year-old lefty has had an up-and-down NFL career, fighting through several concussions that have put his career in jeopardy. In 2023, the former Dolphin led the NFL in passing yards, throwing 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns — playing in all 17 games for the first and only time in his NFL career.
The signing of Tagovailoa makes for a low-risk, high-reward contract, giving the Jets a veteran with experience who could be put together under a new system. Last season, the Jets took a flyer on former Bears No.11 overall pick Justin Fields, who dramatically failed.
In nine games, Fields accumulated 2,269 yards and seven touchdowns, along with one interception. He was held to under 60 yards in four of his nine starts, making the season a nightmare for young receiver Garrett Wilson.
Unlike Fields, the 28-year-old has also shown he can be a high-caliber starter, making the Pro Bowl and leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023. When there are so few good options this offseason, taking a flier on Tagovailoa on a cheap one-year contract wouldn’t be the worst solution to New York’s QB search.
