The NY Jets have a new regime coming in with Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan and they could look at making a big move at quarterback, as a Mike Glennon or Sam Bradford trade could be an option, while names like Josh McCown, Brian Hoyer and Jake Locker are on the market as available options to start over Geno Smith in 2015.
The Jets had another tough season in 2014 and they ended up with a 4-12 record. The team fired Rex Ryan and John Idzik to wipe the slate clean and now Bowles comes in to take over as coach. Maccagnan comes in after working in Houston and having a strong scouting background, which is the opposite of the cap-expert Idzik. According to ESPN New York, the Jets are hoping to get the chance to select either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota in the draft, as they have the number six overall pick.
Some have speculated that the Jets could try and trade up for one of the two quarterbacks, but Maccagnan may not want to give up draft picks to do that. Maccagnan has said in numerous interviews that he feels building the team through the draft is important. The team could explore trades for veteran quarterbacks, while names like Josh McCown and Brian Hoyer have been mentioned as short-term pickups on the free agency market.
Mike Francesa spoke about the moves the Jets could make this offseason on WFAN on Thursday and he also took questions about potentially trading for Jay Cutler. Francesa said that the move for Cutler is not a good idea for Bowles and Maccagnan, as they "can't afford" to be wrong with their first major decision. Francesa said that Cutler's contract is too big and would be burdensome if the move didn't work out and he also added that Bowles and Maccagnan should go "low risk" for their first QB in case the move doesn't work out.
Francesa mentioned Mike Glennon as a strong option, as the Buccaneers are almost guaranteed to take a QB in the draft after releasing Josh McCown. Francesa said that Glennon has a high upside and that he would cost a conditional draft pick at best and that would allow the regime to move on easily if it doesn't work out. Glennon only played in six games last season, but he has a very strong arm and is just 25 years old.
The Jets are coming into the offseason with a high amount of cap space, with Over the Cap projecting that the team will have about $49 million in cap space. The Jets have some moves they can make this offseason to free up even more cap space, as players like Chris Johnson and Percy Harvin could get released. Harvin has draft pick compensation attached to him after his trade to the Jets from the Seahawks and that is why it is likely he will be released.
According to ESPN New York, the Jets can save money by releasing Harvin since he has a $10.5 million salary and if he is released, the Jets give up a sixth round pick over a fourth round pick. That in itself is enough for the move due to what Maccagnan has said about the draft and while Harvin is an explosive player, his injury history is a major concern for the Jets.
