The New York Jets will make their first draft at No. 6 which could leave them out of the running of the two top quarterbacks. With Tampa Bay expected to hold on to their NO. 1 pick and draft Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, that makes the completion for the No. 2 pick very high as the Tennessee Titans could be willing to sell. There is no guarantee the Jets end up winning that battle which will have them resorting to Plan B for quarterback help.
According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are the top candidates to grab Mariota in a draft trade. Of course the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles are thinking the same thing which could leave New York on the outside looking in. There are really only two quarterbacks projected to be ready as immediate starters so anyone that does not win the sweepstakes will look elsewhere.
The Jets are not committed to Geno Smith. That is a known fact. Not one new member of the coaching staff or front office endorsed Smith as the potential new starting quarterback and franchise player. Instead they told the media that all positions were being evaluated and they would do what was necessary to get better, including grabbing new quarterbacks. The free agent market was looking grim, but the addition of Josh McCown could sweeten the crop.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Jets could target McCown as a strong quarterback option. The veteran was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday night as the team preps to bring in a rookie. McCown struggled last season winning just one game for Tampa Bay. However, when surrounded by playmakers the quarterback has success. McCown's stock was high last year because he excelled filling in for the injured Jay Cutler. He had players like Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery to play around with. If the Jets can bring in another strong running back and one more receiver, they will have an offense favorable for McCown.
The veteran is not expected to last long on the market, so the Jets would have to move fast. Other options in free agency include Brian Hoyer who is being courted by the Cleveland Browns to return. Mark Sanchez will be available. Ryan Fitzpatrick could also be a good option if he is released. Smith needs help. If the Jets cannot get a rookie or are not willing to trade up, then the free agent market will be where they turn to.
