The New York Jets have missed out on another potential quarterback option which means the team might want to start getting aggressive if they do not have confidence in Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Todd Bowles has stressed Smith is the starter for the team, but the rotation leaves a lot to be desired entering 2015. If the Jets want to make an upgrade, they better start moving quickly because every other team needing a quarterback is ready to trade up for Marcus Mariota.
The Jets were one of four teams taking interest in Matt Schaub. The veteran quarterback was released by the Oakland Raiders after one season on the bench, but several teams were eyeing him as a potential option to help push competition. New York missed out. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Schaub signed a contract with the Baltimore Ravens to be a backup for Joe Flacco. The quarterback took a visit to the team early in the week and opted to stay put leaving everyone else searching.
This puts pressure on New York. The Jets have the No. 6 pick in the draft and with Mariota potentially going at No. 2, the team needs to decide just how invested they are in Smith. According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are interested in Mariota, but do not like the idea of giving up a lot to get him. With other holes to fill on the roster, they do not want to wager their whole draft. However, if Mariota is deemed the guy that can bring the Jets long-term success, then a trade up is worth it in the long run.
The Jets could eye other trade options if they want a quarterback early. The team could attempt to pry away Sam Bradford from the Eagles. The Cleveland Browns are currently weighing the options of trading their first-round pick for the quarterback according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer and New York could do the same. Is Bradford worth it? Quarterbacks like Mike Glennon and Kirk Cousins would be cheaper, potentially only worth a mid-round pick. The Jets could also stay put and wait for Philip Rivers, Robert Griffin III or even Drew Brees in 2016. A player will be added to the rotation, it just remains to be seen who and at what level they are at.
