The Jets can’t let J.J. McCarthy further complicate the growing Bailey Zappe issue

Even after the New York Jets drafted Clemson standout Cade Klubnik, the expectation throughout much of the offseason was that Bailey Zappe would serve as the backup behind Geno Smith.

Such a scenario made sense, and it made us wonder if Zappe — a former Patriots draft pick who has since bounced around the league — could have his own Mac Jones moment and boost his backup stock.

But if what we saw during last Friday’s preseason loss to the Buccaneers was any indication, then Zappe might not warrant a spot on the Week 1 roster. Zappe took over on the Jets’ third drive and finished 6-of-10 for 55 yards and two interceptions. He also took two sacks before Bailey Cook relieved him late in the third quarter.

We know what you might be thinking, and no, the answer is not to trade for embattled Vikings backup J.J. McCarthy.

The New York Jets should not trade for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

Far too many times over the last 15 years, New York Jets fans have needed to ask themselves if an external quarterback option is better than what they have now. The trend arguably began with the Tim Tebow trade but fully took off in the spring of 2014, when the Jets signed Michael Vick to compete with Smith rather than commit to the latter.

To be clear, there have been times when that approach was necessary. Look no further than the Ryan Fitzpatrick and Aaron Rodgers trades, though neither resulted in playoff berths. Not even Rodgers could end the Jets’ extended non-winning-record streak.

Those who are down on Smith entering the season cannot deny that he’s a better quarterback than McCarthy. Last year proved that the former Michigan star still has much developing to do, and the Jets simply don’t have room for that kind of quarterback right now. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have used a fourth-round pick on Klubnik.

What value would McCarthy truly bring to the Jets? If Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey want to add another veteran, then now is the time to start calling about the likes of the Steelers’ Mason Rudolph or the Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell. Those hoping to see Mougey acquire the Titans’ Will Levis might be out of luck upon remembering that Robert Saleh is now the coach in Tennessee.

Even then, the Jets should be targeting someone like Rudolph or either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum, assuming that the Bears would make either available. For the record, there is no indication that any of those three will be traded before Week 1. 

Just because McCarthy might be available doesn’t mean that he fits the Jets’ needs. If you want to see him in the green and white, then boot up Madden, hope it doesn’t glitch the way that new releases tend to do, and exploit the in-game trade system. From there, you can have him throw Garrett Wilson’s way, miss wildly, and get intercepted before leaving with an injury.

Hey, EA has said all along that “it’s in the game,” and a classic McCarthy drive comes with the territory.

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