New York Jets Quarterback Options For 2015
By Erik Lambert
Painful as it was to watch Monday Night, the New York Jets continue to sink to new lows at the quarterback position. Geno Smith and Michael Vick are far from the answers the team needs. After a humiliating 38-3 romp courtesy of Buffalo, the picture has crystallized. One way or another the Jets are getting a new quarterback in 2015. It’s just a question of when and who. Here are some options they’ll have.
Free Agency
Brian Hoyer
The Cleveland Browns are looking like a team of destiny and a huge part of their thrilling turnaround in 2014 gets credited to Brian Hoyer. Former backup to Tom Brady and a brief journeyman, the Cleveland native has used an efficient and resilient style of play to get his team as close to January as its been in over ten years. The thing is, the Browns have an investment in Johnny Manziel they can’t ignore. With Hoyer being a free agent they may decide to stick by their plan to go with the youngster, leaving the veteran free to shop his wares.
Matt Moore
Though currently backing up Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore has never really gotten a lot of credit around the league despite putting up some decent numbers on some bad teams. He’s experienced with a good arm and good size and some mobility. At age 30 he’s not over the hill either. A team hoping for stability at the very least could do a lot worse.
Trade
Jay Cutler
The issues around Jay Cutler remain cloudy. At age 31 he’s not old but he’s also not trending up. His talent though is undiminished as he remains big, strong-armed thrower with mobility. He has a winning record in his career and can put together some impressive performances during a season. The big trade off is the turnovers, something Chicago Bears fans have grown tired of. His large contract is an issue, but with over $41 million in cap space coming their way, the Jets could handle it.
Brock Osweiler
The 6’7″ giant has patiently awaited his opportunity while learning behind arguably the greatest of all time in Peyton Manning. Brock Osweiler has the NFL body and arm to make in the league and his experience behind Manning will serve him well. He’s only 24-years old and never taken the pounding of most quarterbacks his age so he has the body of a rookie and the mind of an experienced backup. Not a bad combination.
Nick Foles
Nobody can know for sure what the Philadelphia Eagles are thinking. At first it was believed Nick Foles was untouchable, but recent reports hint the organization isn’t as high on him as many thought. This leads to the idea that the team may take an opportunity to move on, especially after he struggled this season before breaking his collarbone. That too easily dismisses the plays he can make and how good he looked last season when he was better protected.
NFL Draft
Marcus Mariota
Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith didn’t exactly prove the greatest of ventures, but that can’t stop the New York Jets from continuing to seek out a franchise quarterback in the NFL draft. Given their record, they should have a pick in the top 5, giving them a great shot at Oregon standout Marcus Mariota. An athletic phenom with every tool including size, speed and mobility he is fully capable of building a team around.
Jameis Winston
People will question his personality and poor decision-making off the field, but the fact remains Jameis Winston is arguably the most complete quarterback in the 2015 class. Not only is he a physical specimen, but he also exhibits the charisma and leadership qualities teams covet in their signal callers. Also, unlike Mariota, he has a Heisman trophy and a national championship.