The New York Jets have plenty of roster questions, but none bigger than the gaping hole at quarterback.
Much of the limbo they’ve been stuck in for the past few months is due to their ongoing inability to reach an agreement with veteran free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick. The 34-year old enjoyed the best season of his career in 2015, throwing for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. He was a big reason they went 10-6, but an ugly regular season finale that cost them a playoff berth has likely caused the Jets to be careful with how much they offer him.
Fitzpatrick not signing would indicate he feels they aren’t being serious enough about bringing him back, thus a standoff of sorts has ensued. A standoff that could last beyond the NFL draft.
Barring a significant breakthrough, #Jets & Ryan Fitzpatrick are not expected to have a deal before the draft. Adds intrigue to their draft
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2016
This creates a significant change in the situation for New York. At present their two best options at quarterback are Geno Smith and Bryce Petty. Smith is a former starter who was up-and-down during the times he played. Petty is a former 4th round draft pick entering his second season who has physical talent but may not be progressing as fast as the Jets had hoped. Neither gives them the hope of finishing what they started last season by making the playoffs.
With Fitzpatrick refusing to budge, this shifts all the attention for New York to the NFL draft. While there is still a chance they might trade for a player from another team, chances are they would much prefer to get a quarterback early on draft day. The problem is they’re stuck with a later pick at #20 in the 1st round. Carson Wentz and Jared Goff are expected to be gone within the first five picks and now even Paxton Lynch, the third-best on most boards, likely won’t fall out of the top 15.
While Wentz and Goff are incredibly impressive prospects, Paxton Lynch has done really well for himself in the pre-draft process as well.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) April 15, 2016
That makes the reality crystal clear for New York. If they want to get a top quarterback and not hope getting one in the 2nd or 3rd rounds will solve their problem, than they’ll have to go up to get him. Chances are the Jets will have to at least move ahead of the New Orleans Saints at #12, who could be eyeing a Drew Brees replacement. More than likely their biggest obstacles are the Eagles and #8 and 49ers and #7. If neither of them move up to get Goff or Wentz, then they are most certainly in play for Lynch.
The Jets would have to make a tough decision then. Either they take the gamble that neither will take him and look to move ahead of the Saints, dropping the cost or they go all-out to get ahead of them. Either way, the reality never changes. New York will have to move up if they want their quarterback.