Jets move up in draft with eye on premium QB
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 second-rounders this year and a second-rounder next year to complete the massive deal.
Colts GM 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 resigned veteran Josh McCown and agreed to terms with Teddy Bridgewater, both on one-year 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 toprated 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.
Woodhead retires
Danny Woodhead went from undersized and undrafted to big-time playmaker in 10 NFL seasons.
The versatile running back announced his retirement in a humble and heartfelt post on Instagram.
“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.
Patriots signings
The New England Patriots bolstered their pass rush and backfield depth with the free-agent signings of defensive end Adrian Clayborn and running back Jeremy Hill.
Clayborn played the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and is coming off a career-high ninesack season in 2017.
Hill, entering his fifth NFL season after spending his first four with the Cincinnati Bengals, had 2,757 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in his first three seasons.
The Patriots also announced the signing of veteran offensive tackle Matt Tobin.
Quick hitters
The Dallas Cowboys released 10-year veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick, another move toward getting younger in the secondary.
The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent offensive lineman Justin Pugh to a five-year contract.
Running back Danny Woodhead announced his retirement after a 10-year career with the Jets, Patriots, Chargers and Ravens in an Instagram post on Saturday. He topped the career 2,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving.