New York Jets: Addressing the Drew Brees Trade Rumors

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback

(9) hands the ball off to running back

(22) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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The New Orleans Saints caused quite the stir recently, trading away star tight end Jimmy Graham. Like it or not, it made it clear that some change is afoot for the Saints franchise. At one point, it was hinted that all players from the roster could be available for the right price.

Recently, rumors involving the Jets and Drew Brees came on the scene. Rumors circulated, albeit briefly, that the Jets have talked to the Saints about acquiring Drew Brees. We know Mike Maccagnan is going to explore all options to improve the New York Jets. The Jets need a quarterback, and Drew Brees is a good one. Brees could not have been happy when he learned that his favorite target was headed to Seattle. The rumor is not without logic.

Some say that the possibility is out there, some say that it isn’t. My thought is that anything can happen, so with the rumor out there, I thought I would address it this morning.

I hope the Jets do not make this move. Drew Brees, although obviously an upgrade, would not be the right choice.

Next: The Pros

Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Oh, don’t get me wrong. There would be a lot of positives if the Jets were to acquire Drew Brees. Simply put, he is the type of quarterback that the Jets haven’t seen. Vinny Testaverde had that type of year in 1998, but no Jets quarterback in anyone’s memory has been as consistently good as Drew Brees. Take a look at his career:

Passing

Drew Brees was a decent quarterback in San Diego that became great in New Orleans. His record as a starter with the Saints is 117-84, and his TD to INT ratio is nearly 2:1 (396 TD’s vs 194 INT’s. With the likes of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker in the fold, Brees would have an arsenal of talented weapons to help the Jets exploit.

He also brings with him a wealth of experience. Drew Brees, at 36 years old, has been doing this for 14 seasons. Brees has seen the playoffs, and even a Super Bowl appearance. He would be a great mentor for Geno Smith, as well as any other quarterback that the Jets were to bring into the fold.

It would also so the Jets faithful that they want to win right away. Jets fans have been dying for a winner. If they brought Drew Brees into the fold, the Jets would be an immediate contender, at least on paper.

Next: The Cons

Nov 3, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by New York Jets outside linebacker

(97) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

There is the other side, however, to bringing Drew Brees into the fold.

First of all, he is 36 years old. That isn’t all good. We all want the Jets to be able to obtain “sustainable success”. I know that term was introduced to us by John Idzik, but it applies. As much as a one year magical run would make us happy, I don’t think we want to see our team go down the toilet immediately after. We had that in the Rex Ryan era. The Jets went to two title games, and feel apart afterwards. Do we want that again? I think not.

Drew Brees just might be too far over the “Win Now!” edge, and not focused enough on the future.

Another point to look at is some of the more detailed sabermetrics. First of all, look at his record against the AFC East. Against us and the Dolphins, Brees has posted a record of 2-3, and an overall record against the division of 10-8. Even removing the Jets games, that record is 8-5. Brees has not lit it up, passing for his second lowest average yards per game against the AFC East with 245.4

Playing nearly half of each season against this division makes you look at Drew Brees a bit differently.

Finally you have the skewing of his numbers while playing in the Superdome. Outside, Drew Brees has been a bit more mortal.   His completion percentage drops from 68% to 63%.  His record inside is 56-35, outside it’s 58-48.  Drew Brees is better than what the Jets have, but outside of New Orleans, he just isn’t as good as everyone gives him credit for being.

Acquring Drew Brees would be quite the coup for Jets fans.  But it would be the wrong idea.

Next: Mock Draft: Beasley to the Jets

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