While the New York Jets are busy trading for big-named wide receivers, none of it matters if the team does not have a quarterback. The Jets cannot survive another year of Geno Smith struggles and need to add depth behind the third-year quarterback if they are going to improve from the downfall of the last two years. Todd Bowles and Chan Gailey have confirmed they are eyeing several options with the quarterback spot that could include the draft and free agency.
With free agency just one day away, the quarterback market is very weak. Josh McCown has been signed by the Cleveland Browns. Mark Sanchez is returning to Philadelphia. Matt Cassel was traded to the Buffalo Bills. There are not a lot of successful options for the Jets to look at. According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets are making calls regarding Brian Hoyer who is the best free agent quarterback available at this time.
If the Jets want Hoyer they need to move quickly on a deal. The San Francisco 49ers are eyeing him. The Chicago Bears could make a call. Hoyer at this point is the best veteran available given he has proven he can still compete after the stint of success he brought Cleveland last year. The issue is that Hoyer wants to start. He wants to sign with a team that gives him the chance to play Week 1. That may or may not be the Jets.
If New York were to sign Hoyer and make no other quarterback moves, there is a good chance the veteran could start Week 1. However, the Jets draft at No. 6 and many believe they will be grabbing Marcus Mariota in the first round. Most NFL mock drafts believe that could be a done deal. However, CSNPhilly.com believes that if Mariota were to drop to the Jets, the Eagles would then swoop in with a draft deal. They could easily offer up Nick Foles in the move. The Jets had no interest in Foles last year when he was available, but could eye him again with a trade.
The clock is ticking to determine commitment on Smith. There is still time to pull off a trade for Jay Cutler. They could sign Hoyer. They could sweep up Ryan Mallett with a better deal than the Texans. The Jets have options, but cannot afford to be patient.
