New York Jets: 2015 Options at Quarterback

It became official on Monday night, the Jets have zero confidence in Geno Smith moving forward. With the switch to Smith over Vick, they let us know that Michael Vick is not the answer for 2015 either. Matt Simms has sat on the bench in this dismal season at QB, so it’s likely that he is done in New York too! No matter how much you like anyone of these guys, it has become clear as day, that none of these three can start for the Jets in 2015. So, what will the Jets do to fix the position? Let’s take a look at some options today.

Nov 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

(3) throws in the pocket against Dallas Cowboys defensive end

(92) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

First, let’s take a look at free agency. The list of QB’s that follows are those eligible for free agency at the end of the season. We won’t truly know what free agency will offer until much later into the off-season, but it’s worth a look now.

Matt Moore QB UFA Mia Mark Sanchez QB UFA PHI Jake Locker QB UFA TEN Michael Vick QB UFA NYJ Matt Hasselbeck QB UFA IND Christian Ponder QB UFA Matt Flynn QB UFA GB Blaine Gabbert QB UFA SF Shaun Hill QB UFA STL Jason Campbell QB UFA CIN Tarvaris Jackson QB UFA Brian Hoyer QB UFA CLE Ryan Mallett QB UFA HOU Tyrod Taylor QB UFA BAL Scott Tolzien QB UFA GB T.J. Yates QB UFA ATL Jimmy Clausen QB UFA CHI Joe Webb QB UFA CAR Dan Orlovsky QB UFA DET Colt McCoy QB UFA WAS Luke McCown QB UFA NO Kellen Moore QB RFA DET Austin Davis QB RFA STL Josh Johnson QB UFA SF Matt Blanchard QB ERFA CAR Matt Simms QB RFA NYJ Ryan Lindley QB UFA ARI Thaddeus Lewis QB UFA HOU

This list doesn’t hold much at first glance, but if some of these players actually make it to free agency, there may be a short-term starter for the Jets in 2015. If the Jets choose to not sign one of the “bigger names” from this list to start, they still may choose to sign one of the younger kids to bring in to compete or develop. It’s an option and as such the Jets need to thoroughly review all these options.

The draft is another possibility of course. While there are two front-runners in this class, there doesn’t seem to be a clear #1 QB. The Winston/Mariota debate likely will rage through the off-season among Jets fans. Anyway, let’s take a look at what’s available for the draft at this juncture. To simplify things we’ll look at the top ten.

Marcus Mariota Oregon Jameis Winston Florida State Connor Cook Michigan State Sean Mannion Oregon State Dak Prescott Mississippi State Brent Hundley UCLA Bryce Petty Baylor Kevin Hogan Stanford Garrett Grayson Colorado State Everett Golson Notre Dame

This is by far not the limit to the possibilities in the draft, but if the Jets are looking QB in the draft, these are among the names we’ll be kicking around as the debate roars through the off-season.

Oct 19, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback

(8) throws the ball as Tennessee Titans outside linebacker

(95) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Another possibility of course would be to seek a trade for a QB. It’s impossible to say who might be available for a trade from another team next year. The cost of a trade will have to be factored in to a trade as well, but if there is starting talent available, the Jets will likely be involved in the talks. A couple of guys that might be available and of interest to the Jets are:

Kirk Cousins Washington Redskins Chase Daniels Kansas City Brock Osweiler Denver Mike Glennon Tampa Bay Jay Cutler Chicago Bears

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• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

There is no guarantee any of these players will be available, but the Jets will likely be inquiring about one or two of them. Names to kick around when the serious debate of QB begins in earnest at the end of the season.

The Jets have plenty of options in their search for a starting QB in 2015. They can draft one of the top QB’s, they can sign a veteran free agent, they can attempt to trade for one, and they can combine any of these options in their search. The Jets will likely be bringing in several QB’s in the spring, they not only need to find a starter but depth as well. Simms becomes a free agent and it’s anyone’s guess what they’ll do with Smith. Vick is apparently one and done in New York!

I prefer bringing in a veteran to start. I’ve said it before but, I do not want to see any rookie under center to start 2015. Draft a mid round QB to develop and possibly keep Smith as the backup! Bring in several different styled QB’s and let them compete!! It’s a critical position, one the Jets are void of talent in. Anything is possible, so let’s get the “Great Debate” started early today!! How would you go about fixing the New York Jets QB position? Do you have a favorite you’d like to see under center next year? Let’s talk Jet Football!! Time to tell me what you guys are thinking!!