The New York Jets have yet to give an indication of what direction they plan to take in the NFL Draft. The team is owner of the No. 6 overall draft pick and will have to make key decisions if Marcus Mariota is around at that time. Most NFL Mock Drafts believe the Jets will be selecting the former Oregon quarterback barring any trade deals, but for now New York appears continue with sifting through the free agent market for quarterback options instead.
Right now, the Jets have Geno Smith returning for his third year and Ryan Fitzpatrick who was acquired in a trade deal with the Houston Texans. Those are the two likely quarterbacks capable of starting for New York. With depth an issue, Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman is reporting Josh Freeman has come to New York for a workout with the Jets. Freeman has not been seen since his disastrous time with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2013, but has reportedly been working out during his time off with Jon Gruden.
Freeman has shown potential in the past after he was selected in the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He tossed 27 touchdowns with just 17 picks back in 2012 as a starter, but was cut in 2013 by the Buccaneers after a falling out with the coaching staff. The visit of Freeman would merely be the Jets looking at their options or it could be an indication that the team is still not set on the quarterbacks on their roster at the time.
The Jets are well aware that offensive improvement is crucial this upcoming season after two years when the unit stalled out thanks to the struggles of Smith. The Jets have upgraded with Brandon Marshall at the wide receiver spot, but have yet to make any other adjustments. The team needs running back depth and another receiver or tight end in the mix to help the quarterbacks out. According to both Marshall and Eric Decker, they have full faith in Smith.
With competition dwindling out for Mariota, the Jets could easily see the quarterback fall into their lap. Yes, the team has other needs that need to be addressed, but not having the right quarterbacks in place could set a franchise back ever further. If Mariota is the guy for Todd Bowles, he needs to make the move.