When the Jets line up for their first meaningful game under HC Aaron Glenn in September, they'll have their sixth different opening-day starter at QB in 10 seasons. The Jets signaled a new direction when they announced their intentions to move on from Aaron Rodgers on Feb. 13. While the Jets have three other QBs – Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis and Adrian Martinez – on the roster, they may be shopping for another passer once the NFL's negotiating window opens on March 10. Last week at the NFL Combine, GM Darren Mougey said his club will explore all its options.

"There's a lot of intriguing players in this draft, some good, talented players in the draft, at quarterback as well. Then in free agency, we'll exhaust all those options but really excited of who we have in the building right now," Mougey said. "Starting with Tyrod, a guy that's been around the league, been in the league for a long time and has a great reputation. I've got the opportunity to talk to him a few times and it's been great. So I'm glad we have Tyrod in the building, but we'll exhaust all options."

Taylor, who backed up Rodgers for 17 games last season, has played the role of bridge QB before and has 58 NFL starts on his résumé. Over the course of 94 NFL games, Taylor, 35, has hit on 61.9% of his passes for 12,254 yards with 68 TDs and 29 INTs. He's also rushed for 2,281 yards (24.3 yds/g) and 19 TDs.

The quarterback who could be in line for the most lucrative contract on the open market is a familiar one to Jets fans – Sam Darnold. But there are several veterans who may end up starting elsewhere in 2025.

Sam Darnold (Minnesota)
Darnold, selected No. 3 overall by the Jets in 2018, experienced a career breakthrough in Minnesota last season. Starting 17 games for the first time, Darnold established career highs with a 66.2% completion percentage, 4,319 yards and 35 TDs. His 102.5 QB rating was a personal best as Darnold thrived under HC Kevin O'Connell. But J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2023, is expected to return after a torn ACL. McCarthy figures to be the future in Minnesota.

Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh)
Wilson, 36, made his first Steelers start against the Jets, throwing for 264 yards and 2 TDs in Pittsburgh's 37-15 Sunday night win on Oct. 20. He went 6-1 in his first seven Pittsburgh starts and ended up with decent numbers, hitting on 63.7% of his passes for 2,282 yards with 16 TDs and 5 INTs. But the Steelers lost their final five games including a 28-14 loss at Baltimore on wild-card weekend.

Justin Fields (Pittsburgh)
With Russell Wilson missing the first six games of last season due to a calf injury, Fields played efficient ball and guided Pittsburgh to a 4-2 mark. Not only did Fields finish as a 65.8% passer with 5 TDs and just 1 INT, but he also averaged 28.9 yds/g on the ground and 5 rush TDs. Fields, the No. 11 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft who will turn 26 on March 5, played two college seasons with Jets star WR Garrett Wilson at Ohio State. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers sign Fields or Wilson prior to the opening of the negotiating window.

Daniel Jones (Minnesota)
After the Giants released Jones in November, Jones cleared waivers and signed onto the Vikings' practice squad before being promoted to the roster on Jan. 7. Jones, a Duke standout who was the No. 6 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, had mixed success with the Giants but is 27 and should benefit from his most recent experience with Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell.

Jameis Winston (Cleveland)
Winston, the No. 1 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, started seven games for the Browns last season although he hasn't been a full-time starter since 2019 in Tampa. Winston is a gunslinger with a monster personality as evidenced by his media success during Super Bowl week. Winston (154 TDs, 111 INTs) could find a new home as a backup in 2025.

Mac Jones (Jacksonville)
Jones had a busy day against the Jets in Week 15, finishing 31 of 46 for 294 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs in a 32-25 New York win. He played down the stretch last season in Jacksonville, passing for 1,672 yards with 8 TDs and 8 INTs. Jones, an Alabama product taken No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, figures to again latch on as a team's primary backup in '25.

Cooper Rush (Dallas)
Acquitting himself well in relief of Dak Prescott, Rush went 4-4 in 8 starts last season while throwing for 1,844 yards and 12 TDs with just 5 INTs. Rush , 31, is one of the better backup options in this free agency class.

On the Watch List

Kirk Cousins (Atlanta)
Many league insiders have wondered whether Cousins could be on the move. He lost his starting job to Michale Penix Jr. late last season and the Falcons can avoid a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 if they release him by March 17th. Cousins, who like Aaron Rodgers returned from an Achilles tendon tear, led the NFL with 16 INTs last in 2024. At 36, he's closing in on 43,000 pass yards (42,979) and has 288 career TDs against 126 INTs.

Derek Carr (New Orleans)
Much like the Jets, the Saints have a new HC in Kellen Moore and a new offensive play-caller in Doug Nussmeier. According to OvertheCap.com, Carr will carry a $51 million cap number next season.** Even if he's not their longtime answer, the Saints could elect to use Carr as their bridge QB. In 27 games with the Saints from 2023-24, Carr had 40 TDs and 13 INTs while completing 68%.