As the New York Jets continue to play hardball with free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick, other quarterback options are now coming to the forefront.
The team wined and dined Robert Griffin III earlier this month, though nothing seems to be close to completion on that front.
In addition to this, the Jets have been linked to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick recently.
Short of heading into the 2016 season with Bryce Petty and Geno Smith competing for a starting spot, something is going to have to happen in New Jersey at the quarterback position.
Pretty much on cue, it’s now being reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini that the Jets have interest in Cleveland Browns signal caller Josh McCown.
“The Jets, who met with McCown last February before trading for Fitzpatrick, have interest. They’d rather wait until he’s released, which seems inevitable, but that could be a few more weeks.”
Short of assuming McCown will be released without knowing the Browns’ quarterback situation, a trade does make some sense here.
McCown, 36, posted a 1-7 record in eight starts for Cleveland last season. Though, he did put up some solid statistics in that half year as the team’s starter, completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,109 yards with 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Set to make $4.4 million next season, McCown would be a bargain in comparison to what Fitzpatrick is demanding and the amount of cash owed to Kaepernick next season.
Contrary to Cimini’s report, the primary issue here might be McCown’s availability. Cleveland released Johnny Manziel earlier this month.
And while it might be zeroing in on Robert Griffin III, there isn’t anything finalized there. It’s also important to note that trade talks involving Kaepernick appear to be dead.
Should the Browns decide against acquiring either RGIII or Kaepernick, they would then turn to the No. 2 overall pick for an upgrade at quarterback — a scenario that seems to be imminent at this point.
Even then, having McCown backing up a rookie seems to be an ideal scenario for new head coach Hue Jackson and Co.
It wouldn’t be too surprising to hear that the Jets are putting these names out there as a way to gain the upper-hand in negotiations with Fitzpatrick. That’s more than likely what’s happening here.