Making the case against Jets acquiring A.J. McCarron

The New York Jets need to land a better quarterback this offseason but shouldn’t take a risk on a player without a proven track record. Such is the case with quarterback A.J. McCarron and why it would be a mistake to acquire him.

It’s no secret that the New York Jets are in desperate need of adding another quarterback or two this offseason. Whether it’s through free agency or the 2018 NFL Draft, it’s expected they’ll have some new faces at the most important position on the team when all is said and done. But what about taking a risk on a player that might have major upside but hasn’t been given the right opportunity to deliver?

Such is the case with quarterback A.J. McCarron who is currently having issues with his current and soon to be former team, the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s trying to get an opportunity elsewhere and took the Bengals to an independent arbitrator who ruled him to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Ideally, he will be an interesting quarterback to a plethora of teams who might be interested in seeing what he could do in a change of scenery. At the end of the day, the Jets should stop taking risks on experimental quarterbacks or those that might be good with no real proof.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

In the past three years, McCarron has totaled just 920 yards, 86 completions, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Yes, in a full-time starting role, McCarron should be able to be an average quarterback but for a team like the Jets, with a horrible history of inconsistency at the most important position on the team, do they really want to take a risk on a player that hasn’t shown anything in the pros that he can deliver?

While McCarron would more than likely be an inexpensive acquisition, the Jets need to get as close to a guaranteed upgrade at quarterback they can this offseason. Whether it’s Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, or even trading for Nick Foles, they need someone that has shown to be more than capable of winning football games.

If they go the route of the draft, they need to ensure they select a quarterback that can come right in and take care of business. Again, the Jets need to stop playing the game of hope versus reality. Hope is McCarron could be a solid starting quarterback but reality says otherwise. It’s best the Jets stay away from McCarron and stick with going after top guaranteed talent either in free agency or finally land a young franchise quarterback in this year’s draft.