The New York Jets are thinking big, really big. With new head coach Todd Bowles in place and a new front office regime taking over, the franchise is making moves this offseason to try and escape the struggle of the past two seasons. They made the bold trade for Brandon Marshall while bringing back elite cornerback Darrelle Revis. Those players certainly help, but the quarterback position remains a question mark. Could the Jets be thinking big in that area as well?
As of now, the Jets have Geno Smith entering his third year after two unimpressive seasons. They also have Ryan Fitzpatrick acquired in a trade who is still recovering from a broken leg. That is not ideal for 2015. According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are aiming for a trade to acquire either Philip Rivers or Drew Brees either this offseason or next.
Ok, everyone still breathing? Could this deal happen? Yes. Will this deal happen? It feels unlikely, but anything should be expected in the NFL. Rivers is currently entering the final year of his contract and according to ESPN he has no intentions of signing an extension due to the uncertainty of whether the Chargers will be playing in Los Angeles in the coming years. With Rivers having one foot out the door, a trade is certainly an option for San Diego.
The New Orleans Saints have been clearing house this offseason and many speculate whether Brees is next to go. The quarterback is set to make $18.75 million in guaranteed money this season and $19.75 million next year. Getting rid of the quarterback will clear the cap space the Saints so desperately need. While New Orleans has laughed at the idea of trading Brees, any player is available at the right price.
The Jets have Marcus Mariota targeted at the No. 6 pick. With teams like the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans also getting linked to the Oregon star, there is a chance the Jets miss out. Plus, getting an established star like Brees or Rivers is more ideal than putting faith in a rookie. However, both veteran quarterbacks would come at a heavy price.
The Daily News reports the Chargers like what they see in Mariota and could try and keep the quarterback on the West Coast. If Mariota drops to No. 6 in the draft, could the Chargers offer Rivers to the Jets in order to move up? The Jets could then sign him to an extension, lower his cap hit and get an immediate starter. Rivers is also an East Coast guy and might stay longer in New York.
The Saints could make the same move and trade up for Mariota by offering Brees, but that seems unlikely. There is speculation that Brees is starting to decline making his large salary cap hit unwanted. But seriously, the Saints are not letting him walk away just yet. Rivers could be the more viable option for the Jets over Brees.
