NFL Trade News: New York Jets may look for Denver Broncos $12M QB after failed Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook projects

ESPN’s Rich Cimini recently shed light on the New York Jets’ quarterback picture. They may look for two veteran players who are cost-effective and can serve as stopgap starters for their primary signal-caller, Justin Fields. Cimini suggested Philadelphia Eagles QB Tanner McKee, Chicago Bears QB Tyson Bagent, New Orleans Saints QB Spencer Rattler, and the Denver Broncos’ last starting quarterback, Jarrett Stidham. The No. 2 to Bo Nix is still under contract with Denver. According to Spotrac, Stidham signed a two-year contract worth $12 million, including a $3 million signing bonus, $6.99 million in guaranteed money, and an average annual pay of $6 million in 2025. So, this contract keeps him with the Broncos through 2026. He is scheduled to earn a $5.99 million base salary, with a cap hit of $8 million and a dead cap value of $3.5 million for the 2026 season.Cimini offered a glimmer of hope for the Jets. He said that their general manager, Darren Mougey, knows Stidham and is a fan from his time with the Broncos. So, maybe that will help. Mougey also did not provide an affirmative response for Fields.The Jets are in no rush to decide on him. But Fields may have control over his future. He is due to make $20 million, and if he’s asked to take a pay cut [to accommodate a new QB or other players], he could simply refuse. Then it would only force them to decide on his fate. Mougey said that Fields is under contract. But they will evaluate the position "through every landscape" for their 2026 campaign.Because their quarterback picture looks bleak after the 2025 chapter: Started with Fields, brought in Tyrod Taylor, then lost the final four games when undrafted rookie Brady Cook played his first few NFL games. It left them with a disappointing 3-14 season record. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano share that a trade could happen in Jarrett Stidham’s case, as he is in the final year of his contract with Denver. They listed several backup QBs who could be seen as trade options for other teams to add as developmental options or for depth roles: apart from Stidham, Anthony Richardson Sr. in the Indianapolis Colts, Tyson Bagent in the Chicago Bears, Will Levis in the Tennessee Titans, Davis Mills in the Houston Texans, and Tanner McKee in the Philadelphia Eagles. Teams are seeing if there’s interest and if they can get trade value in the off season’s odd QB market. So, if the Broncos get a better price, they might consider trading Stidham and taking note of Mougey’s familiarity with the backup QB, the Jets could be an option to consider.As per The Athletic's Zach Rosenblatt, Justin Fields may be released at some point, even though the Jets say they're in no rush to make that move. Tyrod Taylor may return to the Jets if they want him back as a veteran backup.The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that teams have reached out to Denver for Stidham. The backup QB's lone start of the 2025 season came in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. He has only four career starts to-date.Broncos Wire's Jon Heath and Brandon Walker report that Denver may make some roster cuts and trades. Nix's backup QB Jarrett Stidham is believed to be a potential trade candidate. This opens the door for all the franchises looking to add a backup QB to their starters. Las Vegas could add Stidham for rookie Fernando Mendoza. Green Bay could add Stidham for Jordan Love. And some more such.