The New York Jets have multiple questions that need to be answered before the start of next season with the biggest coming at the quarterback position. Free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had the best season of his NFL career with the Jets last season, and is looking to land the biggest contract of his career after throwing 31 touchdowns and leading New York to 10-6 record.
The Jets and Fitzpatrick are reportedly far apart on contract terms, and no progress has seemed to be made in the past week. It's unknown if Fitzpatrick will come down in price to re-sign with the Jets, but New York's front office is likely keeping their options open as they head into the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Jets used their 2013 second round draft pick to select quarterback Geno Smith, and last year's fourth round draft pick to land quarterback Bryce Petty. While the Jets may still see a future for these young quarterbacks, general manager Mike Maccagnan could look to target a quarterback in this year's draft especially if one of the top three prospects is available with California's Jared Goff, North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, and Memphis' Paxton Lynch.
Goff and Wentz are almost locks to be gone by the time the Jets select with the 20th pick, but Lynch could make an interesting option should he slide in the first round. The Memphis quarterback has drawn some high praise in the lead-up to this year's draft and has even drawn comparisons with Titans franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The 6-foot-7, 244-pound quarterback put up strong numbers his junior season at Memphis, completing 66.8 percent of his passes for 3,776 yards with 28 touchdowns to four interceptions. Lynch is an athletic quarterback that has no problem moving outside the pocket to make throws down field, and rushed for 239 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns his junior season.
If the Jets are unable to retain Fitzpatrick next season, Lynch could be a smart move for the franchise as he is expected to have a higher ceiling than both Smith and Petty. The Jets could still look to target a quarterback in the upcoming draft even if they re-sign Fitzpatrick, as he will turn 34-years-old next season and is not a long-term solution.
The Jets showed a massive improvement during the 2015 season under first-year head coach Todd Bowles, and don't be surprised if they take another quarterback early in this year's draft as they clearly don't believe they have a player that can lead their franchise for years to come.
