New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles took the podium at the NFL scouting combine to confirm what everyone was thinking, the team is in the market for a quarterback. The solution is not simple for the Jets. The team has Geno Smith entering his third year in the NFL and Michael Vick walking off to free agency. The No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft could land them a top two prospect or it could leave them on the outside looking in. A veteran could also be a positive option to help Smith. Bowles said all options were on the table for the team as they begin to search for the best option.
A popular option amongst teams is Josh McCown who is meeting with teams during the NFL scouting combine. According to ESPN.com, the veteran met with the New York Jets about a potential contract. After getting released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the quarterback has sat down with the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears as interest is high. The Jets would be a solid option as he could earn the starting job. The team has roughly $50 million to spend in salary cap space and could use some for a solid veteran.
The Jets continue to stress that Smith could have potential with the team, but nothing is certain. He has an 11-18 record as a starter with a history of more interceptions than touchdowns. Still Bowles he likes what he sees on film, but must do further evaluation.
"Right now, just watching film, he has a good arm, he's a good athlete, he can throw the ball and make all the throws," Bowles said, via NJ.com. "Without seeing the intangibles and not being able to talk to him personally, you're not allowed to see what he knows, where his strengths are. So as we go forward and we get him in there, we've got to sit him down and get to see what he can and can't do, what he's good at, what he's not good at, what kind of intangibles he has going forward."
According to most NFL Draft experts, the Jets select Marcus Mariota at No. 6 and could potentially start him right away. That might be the answer for the Jets or they could try and grab someone like Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett who still have plenty of playing days ahead of them. The solution to the quarterback problem is not simple in New York. Smith might be here to stay, but that does not mean he will return as the starter.