Amidst Aaron Rodgers" Achilles injury in the Jets" season opener, fans began speculating about potential veteran quarterbacks the New York Jets could add to bolster their roster, serving as backup to the new starter, Zach Wilson.
Now, as we enter Week 3 of the NFL season, the Jets have yet to make a move to sign another quarterback. However, reports continue to circulate regarding discussions between the team and various potential quarterbacks.
Matt Ryan confirms his agent reached out to Jets, but says ‘I love what I’m doing’ with CBS https://t.co/dm05C1xd1I pic.twitter.com/MimjK3RbjT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 24, 2023
In a recent report by Fox Sports" Jay Glazer, it was revealed that inactive quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan had both reached out to the Jets. Unfortunately for them, the Jets declined their offers. Despite the ongoing speculation, Coach Robert Saleh maintains his confidence in Zach Wilson.
Will Joe Burrow suit up for the Bengals tomorrow night? @JayGlazer gives an update on his status, and what Aaron Rodgers will be doing for the Jets post-surgery
Also, Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz have expressed interest in joining the Jets ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fYuaIX1VhY
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 24, 2023
Matt Ryan, who last played with the Colts last season, has not officially retired from the game and remains in shape. His agent has been in touch with the Jets, he confirmed to CBS Sports. He stated earlier in August, “I’m staying in shape… If anything were to come up, you know, we’ll see. [CBS] is where my focus is at right now. But we’ll see how the season shakes out."
According to a report from Fox Sports, Carson Wentz has shown interest in becoming the quarterback for the Jets. However, the Jets conveyed their commitment to Zach Wilson, leaving Wentz"s potential acceptance of a backup role uncertain.
Veteran QBs Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz have both reached out to the #Jets expressing interest in joining the team, per @JayGlazer.
The Jets, however, are looking to stick with Zach Wilson for now. pic.twitter.com/6wVg89SjSA
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 24, 2023
It"s worth noting that Wentz, who was once a prominent figure in the NFL, started the beginning of last season for the Commanders. However, following an injury, he was unable to regain the starting position, as Taylor Heinicke, his backup, eventually lost the job to rookie Sam Howell.
As for Matt Ryan, he expressed contentment with his current role at CBS Sports, saying, “I love what I"m doing." Right now, he is working in broadcasting and is a member of the broadcast team for CBS Sports this season.
According to CBS Sports" lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, the Jets have affirmed their commitment to Zach Wilson, at least for the time being. They have not actively pursued veteran quarterbacks with starting-caliber experience.
Garrett Wilson was showing them that Carson Wentz & Matt Ryan want to play for the Jets😭
— Grace (@gracesporttakes) September 24, 2023
Both Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz bring significant experience to the table, potentially surpassing Zach Wilson in terms of their ceilings. However, the prevailing sentiment suggests that Wilson"s performance has yet to meet expectations, and recent seasons have provided evidence that neither Ryan nor Wentz may be suitable as starting quarterbacks for a playoff-bound team.