The New York Jets, currently without a quarterback, have reportedly inquired about trading up to No. 1 overall. They are considered a “dark horse” to pull off the trade with the Tennessee Titans, per Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net.
“The Cowboys are one of four teams that have inquired on moving up to the top spot of the draft. The other three teams are the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets, who are the dark horse,” Pauline writes.
New York, which owns the No. 20 pick at this time, is currently in contract stalemate with last year’s starting quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The team is hopeful a deal can be worked out in time for OTAs, which begin on April 18, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. One guy who can’t imagine life without Fitzpatrick is receiver Brandon Marshall, who has now twice implored his team to get a deal done in various ways (read here and watch here).
Needless to say, getting Fitzpatrick seems like the best solution for all, rather than expending valuable draft currency to move up and snag the top pick. Especially when you consider that none of the top quarterbacks are viewed as can’t-miss prospects.
But teams need to explore every option when they’re in dire need of a quarterback. As we’ve seen throughout the Super Bowl era, teams don’t win championships often without featuring an elite passer.
New York’s defense is phenomenal — a championship caliber unit.
The offense also possesses outstanding playmakers in Marshall, Eric Decker, Devin Smith and running back Matt Forte.
It’s going nowhere, though, if Geno Smith is the man behind center.
There is one other consideration that could potentially be in play, if the No. 1 pick is being tossed around as a possibility for the Jets. Now that top left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson has retired the Jets could consider moving up for Laremy Tunsil, who many view as the best prospect at that position in a long time.
Likely, New York is just doing its due diligence to explore moving up for the top pick.
However, this is a story to keep in the old back pocket for later reference. If Fitzpatrick still isn’t signed when the Jets get together for OTAs, with the draft being just a couple weeks away at that time, perhaps New York will go all-in to land the quarterback it thinks can lead the way for years to come.