Coffee with the New York Jets: Fitzpatrick hangs out with team

The latest news regarding the New York Jets involves quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick hanging out with his former teammates at a New York Rangers game and a look at if they still want to go quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Nothing beats a nice hot cup of coffee while reading some of the latest news and analysis on the Jets. In case you missed it, last night at the Rangers game in Madison Square Garden, Fitzpatrick was seen with Nick Mangold, Bryce Petty and even Eric Decker. It’s hard to make anything of it but hopefully it’s a sign of him re-signing again with the Jets in the immediate future thanks to some good old fashioned peer pressure.

Without question, the hottest topic this offseason has been if Fitzpatrick will return or not to the Jets. On one side of the coin, he’s been holding out to get more money due to his record-breaking season last year with the Jets. On the other side, the team is financially strapped and are trying to bring him to understanding that he was also a part of a great system built around his strengths.

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Without further ado, here are the latest articles on the Jets:

Free-agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick joins former Jets teammates for boys night out by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"The Jets and Fitzpatrick are locked in a contract impasse, but it’s obvious he has strong support in the locker room. On Monday, Decker told reporters that he and fellow wide receiver sent video clips to Fitzpatrick, letting him know they were thinking about him on the first day of the offseason program. Brandon Marshall"

It’s hard to tell if this was just a case of really good friends hanging out to take in a hockey game or perhaps they were trying to persuade him to re-sign with the Jets. Either way, they all looked to have had a great time and perhaps it’ll help Fitzpatrick get some clarity that he won’t find a better system, team or such supportive teammates anywhere else. Hopefully he’ll come to terms with the Jets and if not, he’ll make a decision soon so everyone can be prepared for what direction they’ll need to head in come draft day.

Eagles-Browns trade could have trickle-down effect on Jets’ QB plans by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"The Jets could be greatly affected by the Eagles-Cleveland Browns trade. If the Jets have any hope of drafting Jared Goff or Carson Wentz, they can forget it. Goff and Wentz will be the first two players off the board, count on it."

Earlier today, the Philadelphia Eagles made a huge trade to move up in this year’s draft with the Cleveland Browns.

With the No. 2 overall pick, the Eagles will more than likely select either Wentz or Goff, which means the Jets won’t be able to make a move for one of the top two quarterbacks available.

This could more than likely mean the Jets will stick with their No. 20 overall pick and continue with their selections based on their draft board. The Jets have pressing needs on their offensive line, overall pass rush and their defensive secondary.

Jets would be better off with Geno Smith instead of Brian Hoyer if Ryan Fitzpatrick bolts by Manish Mehta (New York Daily News)

"Hoyer fits the journeyman profile as the Jets navigate through the arduous process of finding a franchise quarterback. Four teams in seven seasons. A 15-12 career record as a starter, 57.6 completion percentage and 82.2 passer rating."

At this point in time, Hoyer actually flew out to Denver to meet with the Broncos but there is no guarantee he’ll sign with them or the Jets for that matter. The Jets are running out of options and if Fitzpatrick does re-sign with the team, it would breathe a huge sigh of relief heading into next season. If he doesn’t, the Jets might as well give quarterback Geno Smith a shot to compete again for the starting position. Perhaps with this better supporting cast and a week away from the spotlight, Smith could surprise many next season.

Christian Hackenberg visiting Redskins after meeting with Jets by Dan Parr (College Football 24/7 Editor)

"While at least one scout says he can see Hackenberg going late in Round 1, it’s considered likely that he’ll be available as Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) gets underway. However, if Jay Gruden feels the same way about Hackenberg that his brother Jon, the former Buccaneers and Raiders coach, does, then he might be pushing for Washington to pull the trigger on the QB with its top pick."

More jets: Jets need to sign or trade Muhammad Wilkerson immediately

Should the Jets be in the market for a quarterback heading into this year’s draft, Hackenberg would be a nice option to select. All he needs is the right coaching and training to develop as he could be a good quarterback down the road for the Jets. One can never have more than enough options at quarterback, especially a team like the Jets that haven’t had a stable franchise quarterback since the days Joe Namath was under center. Either way, the Jets should keep drafting quarterbacks until they find the one capable of turning this franchise into a competitive one that can consistently win.