The Jacksonville Jaguars made serious moves to start stabilizing their quarterback position for the future. The team has tried multiple avenues that have not worked out so far, but the Jaguars are doing everything they can to change that for 2014. After two key offseason roster moves, could they be adding another free agent to the mix?
First Jacksonville signed veteran Chad Henne to a new contract extension, guaranteeing they at least have one capable starter for the new year. That the Jaguars officially traded former first-round pick Blain Gabbert to the San Francisco 49ers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the one-time starter was sent to San Francisco in exchange for a sixth-round pick and money. Gabbert spent three seasons in Jacksonville and never once looked like a franchise quarterback.
So where do the Jaguars look now? Earlier in the offseason, ESPN reported the Jaguars were a likely candidate to sign free agents to hold them over until the 2015 NFL Draft when players like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota would be available. Both quarterbacks are rated higher than many of the prospects this year. With Josh McCown possibly headed back to Chicago, the focus falls on Michael Vick.
Currently one of the best two free agent quarterbacks available, Vick wants a starting job and Jacksonville has the opening. It was assumed Vick could be the target for the New York Jets, but right now negotiations have stall between the two sides.
NFL.com reports that the Jets have reached out to Vick about joining the team, but are not willing to guarantee him a chance to start. The team is looking for veteran's to help backup second-year pro Geno Smith who showed plenty signs of rookie struggles in 2013. The Jets want to get a deal done quickly, but do not have everything Vick is looking for.
Vick starting in 2014 is not realistic at the moment, especially with the Jets. The team still has Mark Sanchez on the roster which could play a role in what Vick does. The quarterback could head south to Jacksonville where he would pair up with Henne and possibly a late-round rookie for a chance to start next season.
