The New York Jets need to start solving their quarterback issues this offseason, but instead the team appears set on looking at skill positions in both free agency and the upcoming draft. There is a slim chance the Jets will be able to land Marcus Mariota at No.6 which leaves to think of Plan B options in the first round. Despite having traded for Brandon Marshall, the team is eyeing top wide receivers while bringing in free agent running backs in for workouts.
According to New York's Newsday, the Jets are bringing in former Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Amari Cooper for a workout prior to the NFL Draft. Cooper and Kevin White are the top two options at the position while many believe the Heisman trophy third-place finalist will go in the top ten, if not the top five. The Jets draft at No. 6 and certainly stand a chance at acquiring Cooper, but they might have to settle for White if the Oakland Raiders get to the receiver first.
Cooper or White would join a lineup that includes Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. With Decker and Marshall entering the season as the top two players for either Geno Smith or Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw to, could Kerley get released if a rookie joins the rotation? Kerley comes with a salary cap hit of $2 million in the upcoming season with a contract that lasts through 2019. Kerley is a good wide receiver, but with just $5 million in guaranteed money, he could become expendable.
The Jets have also glanced at free agent wide receivers still on the market. The New York Daily News has linked the Jets to Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings and Reggie Wayne for veteran presence. Both Jennings and Wayne would come cheap, but Crabtree might cost the team more than they are willing to spend on someone that is not a rookie.
The running back position is also a priority for New York. While the Jets have made a lot of upgrades around the roster this year, the running back spot has held them back over the past two seasons. After opting not to pick up Chris Johnson's team option, the Jets are left with Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. That is not reassuring to fans. ESPN's Rich Cimini reported the Jets have brought in free agent Stevan Ridley for a visit after the Miami Dolphins let him walk away. They could also sign Knowshon Moreno or Pierre Thomas.
While all of these little upgrades are nice for the Jets, their issues lie in the quarterback position. The team must decide if they are truly invested in Smith and whether or not Fitzpatrick is truly healthy enough to start a game. None of these upgrades at the receiver and running back position will matter if the quarterback position is an issue again.
