New York Jets: Does Philip Rivers make sense?

Would it make sense for the New York Jets to at some point in the future, make a big trade to acquire a franchise quarterback like Philip Rivers? Heading into the 2015 NFL season, the Jets have one big question mark at quarterback. At the current moment, they have Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty and Jake Heaps. Out of those four, it’s expected the starting position will be between either Smith or Fitzpatrick. Petty will most likely be developed from the sidelines in 2015 as Heaps might land on the practice squad. What happens however, come 2016?

This upcoming season is a make or break one for Smith. If he can finally live up to his potential, he will be well on his way to being the franchise quarterback the Jets need to have consistency at the position. If he struggles yet again and continues being a turnover machine, he might not be back come next year.

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Fitzpatrick was brought in as veteran insurance and a quarterback that is familiar with the new spread offensive system that will be installed this year by Chan Gailey. He knows how to run it but keep in mind, he’s not exactly going to light up the scoreboard and throw a tremendous amount of touchdowns. If anything, he’s a stopgap player that will be with the Jets for at least a season or two before again, the Jets have to start from scratch at the position if Smith doesn’t pan out.

Considering that the Jets have a terrible history of finding stability and success at quarterback, perhaps making a trade for one that is a known winner could be what the team needs to have a true gunslinger under center. Rivers could be hitting free agency next offseason and if the Jets still have issues at quarterback, should make a serious run to acquire his services.

May 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass during organized team activities at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

While Rivers is by no means a perfect quarterback, he could be the catalyst the Jets need to finally address this issue once and for all while keeping him in their long-term picture. Of course this is all assuming that Smith struggles, Fitzpatrick doesn’t bring success and Petty is still a development in progress kind of quarterback. Either way, the window of River’s NFL career is almost near the end but he still has quite a few solid years left of guaranteed productivity.

Perhaps a change of scenery could be what Rivers needs to finally push the envelope for his career and bring a championship to his resume. If the San Diego Chargers want to make a big change to their organization by either letting Rivers test free agency or trade him, it would make sense in the grand scheme of things for the Jets to consider it. The Jets could acquire him and truly turn into a powerhouse of an offense if they continue to add the kind of talent they did as illustrated this offseason.

Overall, it might not be far-fetched to believe that at some point down the road, if the Jets continue to struggle mightily due to poor quarterback play, they will need to pull the trigger and make a huge move to acquire Rivers. Considering all the free agent quarterbacks that could hit the market next offseason, Rivers would be leaps and bounds better than anyone the Jets currently have on their roster.

Next: New York Jets: Top 5 players on the roster bubble

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