The New York Jets quarterback situation has turned into a high-stakes game of musical chairs where the music just won't stop playing. If you're looking for a simple name to put on a jersey, it’s complicated. As of January 2026, the guy currently sitting atop the depth chart is Brady Cook, an undrafted rookie who stepped into a vacuum that sucked up veteran hope faster than a New Jersey marsh.
But honestly? Being the starter today doesn't mean you're the starter tomorrow in Florham Park.
The Current State of who is quarterback for NY Jets
Right now, the Jets are in a weird limbo. The 2025 season was, to put it mildly, a train wreck. It began with the Justin Fields experiment—a two-year, $40 million bet that essentially went bust. Fields started eight of the first nine games, but the spark never turned into a flame. He ended up on injured reserve with a knee issue, and the team basically decided they'd seen enough.
Then you have Tyrod Taylor. The ultimate professional bridge. He started a handful of games, but a groin injury late in the 2025 season sidelined him, which is how we ended up with Brady Cook.
Cook is a Missouri product. He’s 6'2", gritty, and a three-time captain in college. He’s the first undrafted rookie to start at QB for the Jets since 1973. That’s a cool piece of trivia, but it doesn't change the fact that the Jets finished 3-13. Cook’s stats—one touchdown against five interceptions in his late-season starts—suggest he’s a backup playing out of his depth.
The Roster as it Stands (January 2026)
- Brady Cook: The incumbent "starter" by default.
- Tyrod Taylor: The veteran backup (currently dealing with age and injury).
- Bailey Zappe: Recently signed to a 90-man roster spot to provide another "arm" for the offseason.
- Justin Fields: Still under contract for 2026, but widely expected to be cut or traded.
- Hendon Hooker: Lurking on the depth chart as a developmental piece.
Why the Aaron Rodgers Era feels like a Fever Dream
It’s wild to think that just a couple of years ago, the entire NFL revolved around Aaron Rodgers in a Jets uniform. That chapter didn't just end; it evaporated. Rodgers spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to an AFC North title before a messy playoff exit.
As the Jets look for their next "who is quarterback for NY Jets" answer, they are haunted by the ghost of that blockbuster trade. It taught the front office a brutal lesson: veteran shortcuts often lead to dead ends. Owner Woody Johnson and head coach Aaron Glenn are now staring at the #2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Dante Moore Dilemma and the Draft
For months, everyone assumed the Jets would just grab their franchise savior at the top of the 2026 draft. Dante Moore, the Oregon signal-caller, was the consensus prize. But in a move that sent shockwaves through the Jets' front office, Moore decided to return to Oregon for another year.
This changes everything.
Without Moore on the board, and with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza likely going #1 to the Raiders, the Jets are at a crossroads. Do they reach for a second-tier rookie? Or do they try to find another "bridge" veteran like Kirk Cousins, who is rumored to be looking for a final landing spot after his time in Atlanta?
👉 See also: Are the Steelers in the Playoffs: What Went Wrong in Pittsburgh
The "Build the Roster First" Argument
There's a growing vocal group of analysts, including guys like Chad Forbes, arguing that the Jets should stop trying to find a "savior" at age 20. The Jets have the #2 pick and an extra first-rounder (the 16th overall) from the Sauce Gardner trade.
Instead of forcing a quarterback, they could grab a generational talent like Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese or Miami defensive end Rueben Bain. The idea is simple: build a team so good that even a mediocre quarterback can win. It’s what the 2000 Ravens did. It’s what the Jets haven't been able to do for decades.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Jets QB Room
People think the Jets are "cursed." It's not a curse; it's a cycle of impatience.
The Justin Fields signing was a mid-level gamble that failed because the offensive line couldn't protect a mobile quarterback who holds onto the ball too long. The Tyrod Taylor signing was a safety net that proved too fragile.
If you ask a fan who the quarterback is, they might say "no one," and they’d kind of be right. Cook is a placeholder. Zappe is a camp arm. The real "who is quarterback for NY Jets" answer is currently a blank space on a draft card or a name on a free-agency wishlist.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you’re following the Jets’ moves over the next few months, here is what actually matters:
- Watch the Justin Fields Transaction: The moment the Jets officially cut or trade Fields, you'll know they are committed to a total reset. His $20M+ cap hit is a massive roadblock.
- Monitor the Veteran Market: If the Jets sign a guy like Kirk Cousins or trade for a disgruntled starter, it means Aaron Glenn is coached for his life. He won't trust a rookie if he thinks he’ll be fired by November.
- The #2 Pick Strategy: If they draft a non-QB at #2, they are betting on a "roster first" philosophy. If they trade down, they are hunting for volume to fix a broken depth chart.
Basically, the Jets are a team without an identity at the most important position in sports. Brady Cook is holding the keys for now, but the engine is cold, and the garage door is still locked.
Keep an eye on the pre-draft visits in March. That's when the real "who is quarterback for NY Jets" will start to emerge from the smoke. For now, it's a waiting game that Jets fans know all too well.