The New York Jets need to start to hurry when it comes to figuring out their quarterback position. The team is starting to run out of cheap options to help build depth with Geno Smith as the free agency market is beginning to get very thin. The Jets have denied interest in those Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick trade rumors, but are still uncertain where they stand on Marcus Mariota. Will the Eagles convince them to deal?
The Jets make their first draft pick at No. 6. According to NJ.com, if Marcus Mariota is available at that spot, Philadelphia and New York will deal. Is this set in stone? No. Could the Jets or Eagles be bluffing? Yes. The draft is still a ways away, but both the Eagles and Jets are aware of the interest in the former Oregon star. The Eagles make their first selection at No. 20 so a jump up would require a lot. It might not be a sell-the-farm situation like the Washington Redskins pulled off for Robert Griffin III, but it will be expensive.
NJ.com believes the Jets could be persuaded to accept a trade of Nick Foles, a quarterback offered to them last year as well. The Eagles have re-signed Mark Sanchez to a contract which pretty much means Kelly is no longer interested in keeping Foles around. The Jets would acquire more draft picks and a potential starting quarterback that would fix many issues for the franchise moving forward.
The Jets are still combing through the free agent market. According to ESPN.com, the Jets are still in play for Brian Hoyer. The veteran quarterback is reportedly looking to sign with the Houston Texans, but the Jets give him the better chance to start. The deal could come down to money in which neither team will over spend. At this point, Hoyer is the best option on the market in free agency, the Jets just need to decide the best direction.
After trading for Brandon Marshall, the Jets have a strong receiver corps. Now they just need a quarterback to throw the ball. Smith is not that quarterback and the franchise is well aware of that. However, getting Foles could be a solid experiment since he is in the final year of his contract. It is a low-risk move for the Jets.