It’s no secret the New York Jets need another viable quarterback, but just as apparent is the lack of talent available in free agency. What the Jets truly need to consider at this time is a trade for another team’s backup to ensure they don’t completely lose out on the ability to stay solvent in 2015.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, in his 11th season as a pro, has never been better than mediocre and has compiled a career record of 33-55-1 as a starter. Behind him is rookie Bryce Petty, who is not close to being ready to perform at a high level this year. Things are so bad right now that New York has already kicked the tires on washed-up career backup Matt Flynn.
Geno Smith will be back at some point this year, but his teammates appear lukewarm towards him as a leader and a player—at best.
Therefore it wasn’t surprising to hear general manager Mike Maccagnan mention that the Jets have spoken to other teams about trading for a quarterback (h/t nj.com). He did mention he doesn’t expect a deal to get done any time soon, but perhaps that is nothing more than a ruse.
The Jets need to try and make a deal. With that in mind, these upcoming quarterbacks should be at the top of their list.
There is a good reason Titans receivers were visibly upset when Tennessee selected Marcus Mariota No. 2 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mettenberger had been making amazing strides this offseason, not only as a quarterback but also as a leader.
Before his knee injury at LSU, Mettenberger was considered a lock to be drafted in the first round, and the Titans stole him in round 6, only to spurn him for a shiny new toy the next year. As a rookie in 2014, the former Tigers star had shown excellent promise, to the point where Greg Cosell had said during the 2015 draft process he’d take Mettenberger over Mariota and Jameis Winston.
He finished last season having completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 1,412 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Kirk Cousins, Washington
Mike Shanahan is a big believer in Cousins, whom he had for a time in Washington. He recently touted his former pupil, saying, “He’s a starter in the National Football League, and that’ll be proven out in time. … He’s going to have a great career as a starter,” per the Washington Post.
Sitting behind Robert Griffin III in Washington, Cousins isn’t set up for long-term success. Owner Paul Allen is not interested in anyone other than RG3 playing quarterback in Washington, but it’s debatable if he’s the man most deserving that spot.
Cousins has had limited success as a starter his first three seasons, completing 59 percent of his passes for 3,030 yards with 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Like Mettenberger, Glennon got kind of a raw deal, although, it must be said that nobody would take him over Jameis Winston. The third-year quarterback out of NC State has put together some impressive tape at times for the Bucs and looks the part of a Joe Flacco-esque pocket passer.
Glennon has a cannon, and given the talent on New York’s roster he could certainly take advantage of that strong arm on a regular basis with the Jets. He and Vincent Jackson developed a rapport, and it isn’t crazy to think he could be downright explosive playing with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Devin Smith, among others.
In his first two years, Glennon completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 4,025 yards with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions—an impressive ratio for a young quarterback.
Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns
Hey, if Cleveland is set on letting Josh McCown run the show rather than letting Manziel grow on the job (as he should), then the Browns should seriously listen to trade offers for the talented signal-caller.
Based on everything we’ve heard coming out of Cleveland ever since Manziel emerged from his two-plus month stay at a rehabilitation center this winter, the party boy is dead. In his place is a professional quarterback who is finally ready to put in the time and effort it takes to get the most out of his considerable talent.
Manziel would be electric in New York. He has the uncanny ability to make big plays to big-play wide receivers and has the gun-slinger’s mentality to take shots down the field. With his ability to run and scramble, New York’s offense would be must-see TV.
His rookie numbers were not impressive. He completed just 51.4 percent of his passes for 175 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in two starts. However, based on his improved play and demeanor, it stands to reason Manziel would be much better than this in 2015.
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