New York Jets: Top 3 crazy draft trades that might happen

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Jets prepare for what should be an eventful 2016 NFL Draft, there is a high possibility that some sort of crazy blockbuster trade could transpire that could shock the city that never sleeps.

The draft is always full of surprising picks and shocking trades and general manager Mike Maccagnan has proven he is not afraid to do what he thinks is best for the Jets. Whether it’s moving up to get a quarterback or moving down to acquire more picks, Maccagnan’s draft strategy is unpredictable to say the least.

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The Jets have various areas of need and could very well do some kind of crazy blockbuster trade to address them. It would make sense in the grand scheme of things as they need to do their very best to field a competitive team this upcoming season. A team that could push the envelope and earn a spot in the NFL Playoffs.

However, it would probably be more shocking if we didn’t see the Jets make a move at all. Without further ado, here are the top three draft day trades the Jets might do that is so crazy, they might just very well happen.

Next: 3. A huge trade for a veteran quarterback

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Trading Muhammad Wilkerson for Jay Cutler

Jets receive: Jay Cutler, 11th overall pick, 2018 first round pick

Bears receive: Muhammad Wilkerson, 20th overall pick, 2017 third round pick

For those of you who are new to The Jet Press, the thought of trading Wilkerson has been running rampant for some time as many writers have chimed their thoughts on the subject. He is the best trade chip the Jets have in their arsenal and they need to get a quarterback.

The Jets are going to miss out on the Jared Goff/Carson Wentz sweepstakes thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams. They could still get Paxton Lynch via trade or if he falls to them at No. 20, but he is a project and will need at least a couple of years to develop into a franchise quarterback.

Whether or not they take him, the Jets need a quarterback for 2016 and bringing in Cutler who played well last year despite injuries galore, may be a wise move. He has previous experience and chemistry with Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte and this Jets’ roster would probably be the best one he’s ever played on. All of this while they would move up nine picks in the draft and have two first-round picks in 2018.

As for the Chicago Bears, they add a pro bowl defensive end as well as a 3rd round pick in 2017, keep a first round pick this year and get to finally shed Cutler’s ludicrous contract. The Jets may not love paying $16M but Cutler is in the final year of his deal and he is for sure an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick or a possible Bryan Hoyer signing.

Next: 2. Geno Smith gets traded to where?

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up prior to a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

2. Geno Smith heading to New Orleans Saints

Jets receive: 152nd overall pick

Saints receive: Geno Smith

Look, regardless of whether Geno Smith has the ability to be an NFL starter or not, it doesn’t look like he has much of a chance of being one as a member of the Jets. On the notion the Jets will bring in another quarterback to compete with Bryce Petty for the starting job, this is a trade that is good for all parties involved.

A change of scenery is probably the best chance Smith has of being an NFL starter and perhaps the best place for him is learning under Sean Payton and Drew Brees in New Orleans. Brees is currently 37-years-old and has about three good years left give or take. In three years, Smith will be 28-years-old which is about when a quarterback’s “prime” has started.

More than anything else, Smith needs to learn maturity and leadership and there aren’t many guys better than Payton and Brees. The Jets can add a fifth round pick and take a player in a deep draft or a potential pick to add to a potential deal to move up to get a quarterback like Paxton Lynch.

Next: 1. Jets make huge trade for controversial wide receiver

Nov 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) is interviewed on the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Browns defeated the Falcons 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jets trade for wide receiver Josh Gordon

Jets receive: Josh Gordon

Browns receive: 2017 seventh round pick, 2018 seventh round pick

I’m going to start by saying this has a .01% chance of actually happening, but let’s also remember, anything can happen come draft time. Gordon is on the wrong path right now, failing multiple drug tests and is not going to play in the 2016 season more likely than not.

Executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown and chief strategy officer John DePodesta want to change the losing culture that has been associated with the Cleveland Browns. As of right now Gordon, despite immense talent and production, will not help them change that culture.

So why on earth would the Jets want to bring in such a headache? This is a case of low risk, high reward. We all know the Jets need to bolster their wide receiver depth and we also know Gordon is a top-five receiver when he is on the football field.

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I have the Jets giving up two seventh round picks in this deal. If Gordon receives a permanent ban, what will the Jets have lost? They’ll forget all about two seventh round picks, wipe their hands clean and look for another receiver. Let’s be real, seventh round picks almost never amount to NFL starters and if Gordon does clean up his act and give even half of the production he once gave, he will be more than worth it. Honestly, I don’t think he will, but it’s worth the risk in such a crazy draft day trade.