Jets net No. 3 pick in trade with Colts
The New York Jets shook up the NFL draft Saturday by moving up 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 — with two second-rounders this year and a second-rounder next year to complete the massive deal.
“Talked to a couple of other teams, but we still wanted to stay in position in that top 10 where we could still get a premium player,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a video posted on the Colts’ website.
After losing to Minnesota in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes at the start of free agency, New York re-signed Josh McCown and agreed to terms with Teddy Bridgewater, each on one-year deals.
By moving up to No. 3, New York assures itself of getting one of the toprated quarterbacks available. USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Wyoming’s Josh Allen and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield are considered potential top-five selections.
The Colts have nine picks overall and appear to be in a rebuilding phase after going 4-12 and missing the playoffs for the third straight year. Woodhead retires: Danny Woodhead went from undersized and undrafted to big-time playmaker in 10 NFL seasons. The versatile running back announced his retirement with an Instagram post.
“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.”
At 5-foot-8, 204 pounds, Woodhead had 32 career touchdowns while playing for the Jets, New England, San Diego and Baltimore.
Briefly: New England signed three free agents: defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Falcons), running back Jeremy Hill (Bengals) and offensive tackle Matt Tobin (Seahawks) . ... Seattle signed wide receiver Jaron Brown (Cardinals) and safety Maurice Alexander (Rams) . ... Arizona signed free-agent offensive lineman Justin Pugh (Giants) to a five-year contract . ... Dallas released 10-year cornerback Orlando Scandrick, saving $3 million in salary-cap space . ... Indianapolis also released defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins after one season into a three-year deal . ... Tennessee released defensive lineman Sylvester Williams after one season into a three-year deal.