EX-BEARS QB MIGHT CUT IT FOR JETS:
The middling free-agent quarterback market for the Jets got a little less desirable after a few quasi-decent signal callers were “snatched up” by other teams in the past couple days.
With world-beaters Mike Glennon, Tyrod Taylor and Brian Hoyer officially off the board (and Tony Romo only coming to Gang Green when hell actually freezes over), here’s a look at some of the available quarterbacks.
In no particular order:
JAY CUTLER
Yes, that Jay Cutler. The Bears officially released the veteran shortly after the official start of free agency on Thursday. The Jets have some level of interest, but they don’t appear to be thirsting for some of the Cutler Kool-Aid. Todd Bowles’ team has been linked to Cutler for a while due to new quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates’ stints with the gun-slinger in Denver and Chicago. Cutler only started five games last season before undergoing season-ending right labrum surgery. It’s fair to question the wisdom of bringing in a player with a history of not exactly being the best teammate.
TREVOR SIEMIAN
Siemian went 8-6 in his first year as the Broncos starter, but he doesn’t look long for the job. John Elway traded up for Paxton Lynch last year. If Denver wins the Tony Romo sweepstakes, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Broncos trade Siemian. The Jets would likely be interested if the asking price is right. All things considered, Siemian would be fine.
GENO SMITH
Yes, that Geno Smith. Frankly it makes little sense to bring back Smith, who won’t even be healthy from season-ending ACL surgery until late summer. What sense would it make to sign a player who will be learning a new offensive system from the sideline during the offseason? Smith’s litany of poor choices has been discussed ad nauseam. It’s best for both sides to go their separate ways. Surely, Smith would want a fresh start.
COLIN KAEPERNICK
Just because new offensive coordinator John Morton was the 49ers wide receivers coach when Kaepernick was the starting quarterback doesn’t mean that this is a good fit. It actually means very little. The bottom line: Kaepernick isn’t very good. He brings a football field-sized amount of baggage, too. You thought Tebow-Mania was a circus? Imagine Kaepernick pontificating about societal injustices and politics every day. Better yet: Imagine him ripping Donald Trump, while the guy paying him is working for the president across the pond. The Jets don’t need the headache or clown cars anymore.
BROCK OSWEILER
The Texans unloaded Osweiler and his prohibitive contract to the Browns in a surprising trade on the first day of free agency. Cleveland will reportedly release Osweiler, who threw more interceptions (19) than touchdowns (17) in his only season in Houston. The word on the street is that Osweiler was a handful to deal with behind the scenes. The Jets would be foolish to bring that element into their locker room.
AJ MCCARRON
The Jets would have to trade for the Bengals backup, who was decent in relief of Andy Dalton for a few games in 2015. But would the Jets actually part with a premium draft pick to land him? How about a fourth rounder? Or would they be better off adding a core young player in the draft with one of those picks?
ROBERT GRIFFIN III
The Jets had an exploratory meet-and-greet with RG3 during the Ryan Fitzpatrick contract impasse last offseason before the former No. 2 overall pick signed with Cleveland. Rumblings are that the Browns will release Griffin, who missed three months last year after getting hurt in the season opener.
NICK FOLES
As expected, the Chief declined to pick up their team option on the veteran. Once upon a time, Foles threw for 27 touchdowns with only two interceptions in 10 games. Of course, we all believed that Chip Kelly was a genius back then, too. But Foles is a solid stop-gap option for a team looking for just that.
CASE KEENUM
Keenum was solid with the Rams before giving way to No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff midway through the season. He went 4-5 as the starter.
JOSH MCCOWN
The Jets had interest in McCown a couple years ago, but haven’t shown a desire to bring him in now. He visited the Cowboys on Wednesday, so it’s probably a moot point.
MATT MCGLOIN
Bowles would be better off just playing Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg in 2017.