Finding a veteran quarterback is the top priority for the New York Jets.
From owner Woody Johnson down the line, the Jets continue to make public their plans to add a quarterback to the roster while not dismissing former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson as a future consideration.
“Our stance on Zach hasn’t changed,” general manager Joe Douglas said. “We still feel like he has a high ceiling.”
One quarterback has already been in the building. Derek Carr, discarded by the Raiders, spent parts of two days at the facility since his release mid-month and will again meet with Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh in Indianapolis this week during the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Highly competitive. On the tape, you see the talent — release, arm talent, accuracy. That was a fantastic visit, really enjoyed spending time with him,” Douglas said Tuesday. “He left a strong impression with everybody.”
Douglas said Carr is “going to be thorough with his process” as a first-time free agent. He said the Jets will spend more time with Carr this week.
Without selling out Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, Douglas made it clear the Jets have checked on another as-yet-unavailable quarterback: Aaron Rodgers.
Gutekunst said Tuesday he hasn’t talked to other GMs about specific players or trades. Douglas said he has “talked to a lot of general managers about a lot of things” but asked to defer anything specific about the Packers to Gutekunst.
Douglas said there is “a lot to like” about Carr, who turns 32 in March. The Jets are also thought to be interested in unrestricted free agent Jimmy Garoppolo, who played for the 49ers during Saleh’s time as the team’s defensive coordinator.
But Rodgers, should he declare he’s open to playing in 2023 and willing to entertain a trade to the Jets, appears to be the apple of Douglas’ eye.
“We’ll be ready to pull the trigger when we have to,” Douglas said, noting total compensation, including draft picks in any trade, were part of the big-picture evaluation. “We look through every scenario. Those are things we’re weighing. We’re looking at every option. That will play a part in the decision.”
The Jets might be ready to fire away on a new deal with All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Douglas said Tuesday the two sides have exchanged multiple proposals and there is joint optimism a contract is feasible.
“We’ve had several good discussions (with his agent) and we feel really good about where we’re at,” Douglas said.
–Field Level Media