The intrigue surrounding the Jets quarterback position following Aaron Rodgers’ Week 1 injury quickly picked up steam. While we know Zach Wilson is the team’s starting quarterback and there won’t be any form of competition, there’s plenty of debate over the backup job.
But things took an interesting twist on Tuesday, when it was reported that former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had entered his name into the conversation. According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, who said he spoke with Kaepernick directly, the 35-year-old’s agent reached out the Jets about an NFL return following the injury to Rodgers.
“I just spoke with Colin Kaepernick, who tells me his agent has reached out to the Jets about his desire to make an NFL return,” Schultz wrote. “Kaepernick remains on the West Coast working out.”
Less than 24 hours after this came to light, CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the Jets are opting to go a different route and will not pursue Kaepernick.
The #Jets are not pursuing Colin Kaepernick to address their immediate need for QB depth.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 13, 2023
I’m told they’ll look to at least narrow down their options today.
The current* mindset is to bring a QB in who fits the chemistry of Zach Wilson being the guy, & knows system &/or staff. https://t.co/y0hdLlRArE
In terms of which direction the Jets will go, Anderson reports that the team’s focus is on someone who can work well with Wilson and knows the system and/or staff. The team has started to reach out to veteran free-agent quarterbacks, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.