New York Jets Quarterback Options Narrowed To Three

Could they go after a free agent or perhaps a Draft pick on Day 2 or Day 3?  Certainly — but in reality, it appears the New York Jets have narrowed their quarterback options for 2015 down to three names.

Geno Smith

• 13 starts in 2014
• 2,525 yards
• 14 touchdowns
• 16 turnovers
• 77.5 QBR

The much-maligned former 2nd round pick hasn’t had it easy since joining the Jets.  Entering his third year he’s already going through a coaching change.  Even though his efficiency overall improved from his rookie season (more TD passes, few INTs, better QBR) the fact is simply that he hasn’t looked like a franchise quarterback thus far.

The question surrounds whether his woes were more due to him or his coaching?

Teammates seem to believe that Smith still warrants an opportunity to prove himself, especially after the acquistion of wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

Doing so would permit the Jets to focus their free agent and Draft ambitions elsewhere, but at great risk of subjecting the team to another subpar season.

Marcus Mariota

• 15 starts in 2014
• 4,454 yards passing
• 770 yards receiving
• 57 total touchdowns
• 4 interceptions

By all accounts the running belief is that if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft Jameis Winston 1st overall as expected, then the New York Jets are singled out as the one spot at #6 that Oregon standout Marcus Mariota won’t get past.  He is the only other quarterback in the class with the talent and pedigree to become a franchise player.

Granted, there are concerns about his ability to develop in a pro-style offense given his success came in a spread attack with the Ducks.  Still, he represents the golden ticket for getting away from Geno Smith if that is indeed the hope of new head coach Todd Bowles.

Mariota has talent.

Much depends on whether the Jets feel they can mold it to their vision.

Nick Foles

• 8 starts in 2014
• 2,163 yards
• 13 touchdowns
• 13 turnovers
• 81.4 QBR

This is the name that is running hot in a lot of chat rooms lately.  Why?  Word is filtering through the NFL trade conversations that if Mariota does fall to the New York Jets at #6, it is a virtual guarantee that they will execute a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The parameters aren’t too specific but the basic idea is that the Jets would get a collection of draft picks, perhaps two extra 1st rounders at least, along with veteran quarterback Nick Foles in exchange for the Jets’ 6th pick so Philly can get the quarterback they’ve coveted all off-season.

Foles is an interesting idea.  He does have a Pro Bowl to his credit and took the Eagles to the playoffs in 2013, throwing an absurd 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions in 13 games.  He has size, arm talent and toughness but doubts linger about whether he has the poise and quick-twitch decision-making to be a long-term option.

Make no mistake — the New York Jets will have a tough decision to make when it comes time to figure out the quarterback position.  It’s one they can’t afford to get wrong.