Bill Belichick has never been one to mince words, especially when it comes to his long-standing rivalry with the New York Jets. The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach may no longer be leading the New England Patriots, but he still found time to take a subtle shot at his former AFC East rivals while analyzing the evolution of NFL quarterbacks.
During a recent appearance on the Let’s Go podcast, Belichick reflected on quarterback talent evaluation in the league, and in true Belichick fashion, he managed to turn the conversation into a veiled critique of the Jets’ franchise.
Belichick’s Latest Dig at the Jets’ Quarterback Woes
The legendary coach was asked about the process of finding an ideal quarterback, and while his answer seemed analytical at first, it soon became clear he was taking aim at the Jets’ recent history of mishandling quarterback talent.
“Well, you might take a look at the ones that the Jets have released,” Belichick quipped. “Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, they’ve done pretty well. I think there are quarterbacks like that—you know, Mayfield is an example, Geno Smith’s an example, Sam Darnold is an example. Even Russell Wilson this year—[they] were guys that nobody really wanted, and they’ve played pretty well.”
Belichick continued his breakdown, pointing out how teams can find hidden gems in overlooked quarterbacks while paying a fraction of the price of elite-level contracts.
“Honestly, the cost on these players is a lot less than some of the guys who are making in the $50 million range. I mean, Jameis Winston is another guy that, you know, had a really good year when he played in Cleveland.”
His comments served as both a critique of the current NFL salary cap structure and a direct shot at the Jets, who have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position for years.
Geno Smith and Sam Darnold’s Career Resurgence
Belichick’s comments highlight a painful reality for Jets fans: two quarterbacks they once deemed unworthy have gone on to enjoy success elsewhere.
- Geno Smith, now with the Seattle Seahawks, signed a three-year, $75 million extension in 2023 after revitalizing his career. During his time with the Jets, Smith struggled, posting a 12-18 record in 30 starts. However, since taking over in Seattle, he has thrown for 12,226 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions in 49 games, proving he still belongs in the league.
- Sam Darnold, drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018, endured three rough seasons in New York, finishing with a 13-25 record while throwing 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. However, he has since managed to turn things around, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings, positioning himself for a potentially lucrative deal this offseason.
Belichick’s remarks put a spotlight on the Jets’ long history of quarterback mismanagement. While their former quarterbacks thrive elsewhere, New York still struggles to find a consistent leader under center.
The Jets’ Never-Ending Quarterback Struggles
Belichick’s dig at the Jets couldn’t have come at a worse time for the franchise. After disastrous experiments with Zach Wilson and an injury-plagued season from Aaron Rodgers, New York is once again heading into the offseason with uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Rodgers, acquired to be the team’s savior, lasted just four snaps before suffering a torn Achilles, leaving the Jets in disarray. Meanwhile, Wilson—once seen as the franchise’s future—has failed to live up to expectations and could be on his way out.
As things stand, the Jets’ search for a reliable quarterback continues, while players they once cast aside, like Smith and Darnold, have found success elsewhere.
Belichick vs. the Jets: A Rivalry That Never Dies
Belichick’s history with the Jets is well-documented. Before becoming the face of the Patriots dynasty, he briefly served as the Jets’ head coach in 2000—though his tenure lasted just one day before he famously resigned to take the New England job.
Since then, he has seemingly taken pleasure in tormenting the Jets on and off the field. His latest remarks serve as yet another reminder of the franchise’s inability to find sustained success, particularly at the quarterback position.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Jets once again find themselves at a crossroads, desperately searching for stability under center. Meanwhile, Belichick, now coaching at the college level in North Carolina, remains ever-watchful, never missing an opportunity to remind the Jets of their failures.
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