Neither Geno Smith nor Michael Vick has been the quarterback option for the New York Jets this season. The team tried to acquire the right amount of weapons to make the offense more productive this season, but even that did not work. With a large number of changes likely headed to New York in the offseason, the quarterback position will be a priority. The Jets will add another body to the rotation and it could be one of the two biggest names in the league right now.
Most NFL sources believe that both Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel will be made available in the coming months for trades. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Washington Redskins are prepared to part ways with Griffin after the season while the Cleveland Plain Dealer has made note that trading Manziel will be the best move for the Cleveland Browns to continue success. Are the New York Jets prepared to be major players for one of the quarterbacks?
NJ.com notes that Vick will not be back with the Jets and Smith could stick around, but will not remain the starter. With head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik likely out, a new regime will want their own choice of quarterback which will not be Vick or Smith. However, team sources believe that either Manziel or Griffin will be a target and it just depends which quarterback is easier to get ahold of in a deal.
Griffin's time in Washington is all but done. The quarterback was benched in favor of Colt McCoy and likely will be taking the field again. Washington sold the farm to Griffin and will want something quality in return. Rapoport notes that the quarterback is not worth as much as the Redskins think he is and teams will try and take advantage of that. At most, he is worth a mid-round draft pick. The Jets could wait to see if Griffin is simply released, but Washington wants to avoid that. They would owe Griffin $3 million if that were the case. They will not pick up his option in order to avoid paying a transition tag, but a trade will be the priority.
Manziel's status is up in the air. The quarterback could be starting under center in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts after he replaced Brian Hoyer in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. If Manziel plays well, the Browns could keep him around for the long-term. They could easily sign another veteran for cheap to back him up. However, if Manziel does not look the part, they could aim to trade him as well, likely seeking a higher draft pick that what Griffin will require.
The Jets have a lot of options that could include the draft or chasing someone like Hoyer or Ryan Mallett in free agency. The bottom line is that Smith may get to keep his roster spot, but he will not get to keep the starting job.
