Jets tipped to land $114m quarterback after Justin Fields and Carson Wentz decisions

Mar 12, 2026 - 16:30

Another name has entered the mix to become the New York Jets back-up quarterback.

The Jets acquired Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, and it has been confirmed that he will take the starting role.

Geno Smith of the Las Vegas Raiders walks on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 21, 2025 — Smith will be the starter for the Jets in 2026

Smith returns to the team that originally drafted him in 2013 in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Job one of the offseason has been ticked off – the next is to find a serviceable back-up to Smith.

The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt has added a rather surprising name to the Jets’ quarterback carousel.

“The other one that keeps getting thrown out there obviously is Andy Dalton because of his ties with Frank Reich,” Rosenblatt wrote.

“Maybe they’re just doing that as leverage to see if somebody would send them a sixth-round pick or something like that. He makes a lot of sense.

“I feel like Andy Dalton is an ideal No.2 and an ideal veteran guy who knows the offense that Frank Reich is trying to install.

“I’m not confident in saying he is going to be a Jet, but it makes a lot of sense.”

Dalton played under Reich in Carolina during the 2023 NFL season, when the latter was the head coach, making just the one start.

Dalton would be a very experienced and serviceable option behind Smith in the Jets QB room, but he is still contractually tied to the Carolina Panthers.

Over his career, he has 39,793 yards with 254 touchdowns and is a three-time Pro Bowler.

Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 3, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. — Dalton has been touted as a good option for the Jets to trade for as back-up to Geno Smith

Andy Dalton #14 and Tetairoa McMillan #4 of the Carolina Panthers react prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Bank of America Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. — Dalton previously worked with new Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich in Carolina

Wentz to the Jets rumors have stalled

Immediately after acquiring Smith, the Jets were tipped to pursue Carson Wentz to be the back-up.

Similarly to Dalton, Wentz has Reich ties, having been on the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles team together, when they won the Super Bowl.

While it might have appeared a couple of days ago like this was going to be the dream pair for Aaron Glenn, things have changed.

“They’re still exploring their options,” Rosenblatt tweeted on Wednesday.

“They had interest in Carson Wentz but he’s unlikely to be signing with the Jets as of now, according to multiple sources.”

SNY’s Connor Hughes revealed that it is unlikely to happen as Wentz has more favourable options available to him.

Carson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts as he holds his arm after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers — Wentz to the Jets is looking a less likely scenario

“Carson Wentz has other options on the table for him,” Hughes said.

“It’s not dead: Carson Wentz to the Jets, but it’s seeming more unlikely because of some of these other options that he has on the table.”

Wentz spent 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions before his season was ended through a shoulder injury.

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