As the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season draws near, teams and fans alike are beginning to shift their focus toward the upcoming 2026 offseason. For franchises that are on the outside looking in on the playoffs, this offseason could be critical, particularly regarding augmenting their coaching staff and building their rosters. The New York Jets epitomize this transition, already on the hunt for a long-term replacement for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was recently let go. However, the central theme of the Jets’ offseason discussions will likely revolve around finding a solution at quarterback, especially after the struggles associated with the Justin Fields experiment.
The Jets are eyeing former Indiana Hoosiers standout Fernando Mendoza, this year’s Heisman winner, as their coveted target. Securing the first overall pick would be essential for the Jets to draft him. If they fail to do so, the franchise may need to explore alternative plans, including possibly bringing in a seasoned veteran quarterback to guide the team while they prepare to secure a future franchise signal-caller.
One intriguing potential option could be Kyler Murray, the former first overall pick, should the Arizona Cardinals decide to move on. However, veteran Kirk Cousins has emerged as a more immediate consideration, especially as he steps back into a starting role for the Atlanta Falcons following Michael Penix’s injury. At 38 years old, Cousins is past his prime, but he has demonstrated resilience and capability in high-pressure situations.
The Jets are eager to address their quarterback situation for 2026 after facing considerable hardships during Aaron Glenn’s inaugural season as head coach. With the New York franchise exhibiting financial flexibility thanks to smart trades and a solid draft strategy, they are well-positioned to fortify their roster moving forward. As it stands, the Raiders pose a significant challenge in the race to draft Mendoza, making it imperative for the Jets to have a robust secondary plan.
Although the Aaron Rodgers era was marked by disappointment, the Jets may look to another veteran quarterback if they miss out on Mendoza or if top prospect Dante Moore decides to remain in college for another year. While Murray’s future in Arizona remains uncertain, Cousins could present a cost-effective alternative. His recent performance in a tight win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has reignited conversations about his potential value, even if he isn’t the perfect fit.
Cousins, now in the twilight of his career, has had a storied journey since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He outlasted fellow QB Robert Griffin III in Washington and went on to sign a groundbreaking fully guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings. After a strong tenure in Minnesota, Cousins joined the Falcons but endured a challenging season with an Achilles injury hampering his performance.
If the Jets were to pursue Cousins, signing him as a free agent would likely be a wiser strategy than engaging in a costly trade, given his substantial contract. At this juncture, Cousins still possesses enough skill to serve as a reliable bridge quarterback, especially with talented players like Breece Hall and a healthy Garrett Wilson at his disposal in New York. If the Jets can invest their draft capital in filling critical roster spots, Cousins could help steer the team through the 2026 season effectively.
As the offseason approaches, the Jets are faced with compelling possibilities that could reshape their franchise. The emphasis on strategic planning and roster enhancement brings a sense of hope, as they look to emerge as serious contenders in the coming years.