The New York Jets will seek a new starting quarterback after informing Aaron Rodgers of their plans to move in a different direction under new head coach Aaron Glenn.
The team, holding the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, faces a critical decision between trading up for a rookie quarterback or pursuing free agents like Sam Darnold or Justin Fields.
CBS Sports projects the Jets to make an aggressive move, trading with the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 overall pick to select Cam Ward from Miami.
“Compared to everyone else, they are in a bad spot to get a quarterback at No. 7 if they don’t make a big play,” CBS Sports NFL analyst Mike Renner wrote. “This is the class to do it where you’ll have evaluations all over the map. If the Titans aren’t in love and are shopping the pick, I would be the first to call if I’m the New York Jets because if Cam Ward hits, you are a championship-caliber football team very, very quickly.”
Ward posted impressive numbers in his final season at Miami:
– 67.2% completion rate
– 4,313 passing yards
– 39 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
– 204 rushing yards
– 4 rushing touchdowns
The Jets’ other potential draft target is Shedeur Sanders, though Ward’s performance at Miami has elevated his draft stock.
Trading up would accelerate the Jets’ rebuilding timeline as they look to return to playoff contention. The franchise hasn’t reached the postseason since 2010, the NFL’s longest active drought.
For Ward, the opportunity to lead a New York franchise would provide an immediate platform to establish himself as an NFL starter.
The Jets are expected to make their quarterback decision before the start of free agency in March.
