Jets acquire No. 3 pick from Colts
NEW YORK » The New York Jets shook up the NFL draft on Saturday by soaring three spots to No. 3 overall in a stunning swap with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jets acquired the third pick in a strong sign that they intend to get one of the top quarterbacks available. They sent the Colts their first-rounder — No. 6 overall — along with two secondrounders this year and a secondrounder next year to complete the massive deal.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the teams had been discussing a potential trade since early in the week.
“They had an interest to move up to (No.) 3 and kind of went back and forth for the last four or five days,” Ballard said in a video posted on the Colts’ website. “Talked to a couple other teams, but we still wanted to stay in position in that top 10 where we could still get a premium player. We feel like at (No.) 6, we’ll still be able to get a premium player.”
After losing out to Minnesota in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes at the start of free agency, New York re-signed veteran Josh McCown and agreed to terms with Teddy Bridgewater, both on oneyear deals. But it was believed the Jets would still focus on finding a quarterback of the future with their first-round pick in next month’s draft.
By moving up to No. 3, New York assures itself of getting one of the top-rated quarterbacks available. USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Wyoming’s Josh Allen and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield are all considered potential top-five selections.
General manager Mike Maccagnan has been zeroing in on the QBs up close, attending the pro days of both Mayfield and Rosen. He also plans to attend the pro days for Darnold and Allen.
The Jets have been very active during the first few days of the NFL’s free agency period, which officially began Wednesday.
In addition to the moves with McCown and Bridgewater, New York signed cornerback Trumaine Johnson, running back Isaiah Crowell, kicker Cairo Santos and linebacker Avery Williamson, and agreed to terms with center Spencer Long. The Jets also re-signed cornerback Morris Claiborne, defensive lineman Mike Pennel, offensive tackle and Villanova grad Ben Ijalana and safety Terrence Brooks.
RB Woodhead retires
NEW YORK » Danny Woodhead went from undersized and undrafted to big-time playmaker in 10 NFL seasons. The versatile running back announced his retirement from playing in a humble and heartfelt post on Instagram early Saturday.
“10 years!” Woodhead wrote. “Wow, God had crazy plans for a small little kid from North Platte, NE! It’s been a wild ride and feel so blessed He allowed me to do what I loved for so long. But now it’s time to say goodbye to the game I love.”
The 5-foot-8, 204-pound Woodhead had 2,238 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns, along with 300 catches for 2,698 yards and 17 scores while playing for the New York Jets, New England, San Diego and Baltimore.
Cardinals sign OL Pugh
TEMPE, ARIZ. » The Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent offensive lineman Justin Pugh to a five-year contract.
The 6-foot-5, 311-pound Pugh — who has plays guard or tackle — spent the past five seasons with the New York Giants, where he started 63 games. Pugh was a first-round draft pick — 19th overall — out of Syracuse in 2013. The deal is worth $45 million with an average $9 million annual salary.
Pugh, a graduate of Council Rock South, said at an introductory news conference that he was drawn by “the culture” of the Cardinals.