Right now, the New York Jets’ quarterback depth chart for the 2026 offseason is still in flux, so there is no fully locked‑in, official “backup quarterback” yet behind their expected starter.

However, recent reporting and analysis point to a few key names in the backup conversation:

  • Tyrod Taylor has recently served as the Jets’ primary veteran backup and the team is reportedly interested in bringing him back “in a similar role” after he started several games for them last season.
  • The team has been linked to other veteran or bridge‑type options (for example, Marcus Mariota discussed as a strong backup/bridge candidate for 2026) as they sort out the room.
  • Some coverage also floats trade targets such as Jalen Milroe or other young backups around the league as possible additions, but those are speculative rather than confirmed.

Because of all this movement, if you’re asking “who is the backup quarterback for the Jets” in February 2026, the most accurate answer is that Tyrod Taylor is the most recent, clearly documented veteran backup they’ve had, and he is a leading candidate to remain in or return to that role, but the team has not finalized its 2026 depth chart yet.