The New York Jets’ quarterback search is expected to be a wide one this offseason, mainly due to a new offensive outlook being put in place. As the organization works to fix its situation with Frank Reich’s system, speculation has already started regarding which veteran quarterbacks could emerge as a realistic bridge option for 2026.
Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor was the latest to look at Reich’s history and potential quarterback fits, and his latest article highlights a name that may not generate the same hype as others, but could ultimately make the most sense in veteran Jacoby Brissett.
“Names like Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz will be tied to the Jets over the next month because of their connections to Reich. Wentz developed into an MVP candidate under Reich in Philadelphia. Cousins has not played under Reich, but has a close relationship with the coach. However, the best option to help the current roster acclimate to Reich’s scheme might be Jacoby Brissett.
“In 2019, Reich’s second season with the Colts, Brissett started 15 games following the surprising retirement of Andrew Luck. Brissett led the Colts to a 7-8 record while throwing 18 touchdowns to six interceptions,” he wrote.
Brissett’s familiarity with Reich’s system would stop the learning curve for an offense that was again one of the worst in the NFL last season and needs help this spring and summer, whether that’s along the offensive line, receiving room, or anything else.
For the Jets, a veteran archetype should be intriguing.
This is a roster that, depending on how the offseason goes, could lean on defense and the run game while asking its quarterback to operate in a system that doesn’t require much. Brissett has built a career off being one of the more respected locker-room guys in the game, and his willingness to go to the bench if the Jets draft a quarterback shouldn’t be overlooked, either.
That doesn’t mean bigger names won’t be an option. Kirk Cousins’ relationship with Reich and Carson Wentz’s prior success in his system could make them fits, but when considering cost and other factors, Brissett might be the best option.