Andrew Buller-Russ
A year after hunting for a new starting quarterback, the New York Jets had to find yet another starter this offseason. This time, they settled on trading for Geno Smith, which only cost New York a sixth-round pick (they also received a seventh-round selection from Las Vegas).
While the Jets were likely thrilled to be trading for a former Pro Bowl QB at such a low rate, he reportedly wasn’t New York’s first choice. He wasn’t even the first QB the Jets’ general manager, Darren Mougey, tried trading for this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, New York previously made an attempt to trade for QB Tanner McKee from the Eagles. However, after Philadelphia informed them that they’re asking for a second-round pick in exchange for the former sixth-round selection, the Jets hung up the phone.
Rumors have indicated that multiple teams have expressed an interest in McKee in the past. However, the Eagles have always set a high price for the 25-year-old QB with just 88 career pass attempts.
McKee is headed into the final year of his rookie contract, so teams believed he may be available via trade. Yet, they didn’t expect Philadelphia to ask for so much from a player with just two NFL starts to his name.
Thus, it was likely an easy decision for the Jets to pivot elsewhere, allowing them to keep their two prized second-round selections (No. 33 and 44). Plus, maybe now the Jets can turn around and use one of those picks on another potential future franchise QB.
Related: New York Jets Closely Evaluating Multiple Top QB Prospects
