NY Jets: Joe Douglas in attendance for Trevor Lawrence’s pro day

The NY Jets are expected to keep a close eye on the quarterback market this offseason. And while it seems like a longshot that they land Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, that includes him as well.

General manager Joe Douglas was one of the many NFL executives who were in attendance for Lawrence’s pro day on Thursday along with assistant general manager Rex Hogan.

Of course, Douglas and the Jets weren’t alone in their interest.

A total of 17 teams reportedly sent personnel to watch Lawrence throw, ranging from area scouts to high-ranking front office members. As anticipated, the Jacksonville Jaguars sent head coach Urban Meyer and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to Clemson’s facilities.

Now, this could just be seen as due diligence on the part of the Jets. After all, 16 other franchises sent personnel to Clemson to watch Lawrence even though the overwhelming odds are that all except one won’t have a shot at him.

That team, of course, being the Jaguars who are widely expected to take the Clemson superstar first overall come the 2021 NFL Draft in late April.

The NY Jets are clearly in the market for a quarterback

But this could also be seen as more than just “due diligence.” The Jets sent both Douglas and Hogan, their two highest-ranking front-office executives excluding ownership, to watch Lawrence.

This shows that they’re in the market for a quarterback — as we’ve already known for quite some time.

Incumbent starter Sam Darnold is fresh off the worst year of his professional career in 2020 and with just one year remaining on his rookie contract, the Jets have a very important decision to make this offseason.

Do they roll with Darnold and hope he can turn things around with an improved supporting cast and a new coaching staff? Or do they cut their losses and search for his replacement instead?

It’s clear that even if the latter hasn’t been decided on, it’s something that’s being seriously considered.

If for some reason the Jaguars were to pass on Lawrence — which they won’t — that decision will be made a lot easier for the Jets. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Jets choose Darnold over selecting Lawrence with the second overall pick.

The Jets are keeping a close eye on Trevor Lawrence, just as half the league is.