The New York Jets need a quarterback regardless of whether or not they sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Hoyer or whoever. As is usually the case, their best course of action for acquiring a potential franchise quarterback is through the draft. But with the Los Angeles Rams making a blockbuster move for the No. 1 overall pick, New York's job just became that much harder.
Neither of this year's top two QBs - Cal's Jared Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz - is as highly regarded as Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota was coming out of school last year. But if the Jets really believe that one of them can be their guy and will be available after the Rams pick, then they should make a move for the second pick that is currently held by the Browns.
The good news is that Cleveland is reportedly open to moving the pick. The better news is that New York has a trade asset that no one else can match: Muhammad Wilkerson. The Pro Bowl defensive end has been grumbling for a new contract that the Jets simply can't afford, and because of the logjam of talent at the position, New York can stomach a split with the talented pass-rusher. If the team moves up, they can clear cap space and grab a potential franchise QB in one fell swoop.
The Browns would obviously want further draft compensation in return, but Wilkerson is an enticing talent for a team that is bereft of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Wilkerson, 26, is coming off a career-high 12.0 sack season and has notched 28.0 sacks in the last three years. The Browns need proven commodities to help them climb out of the hole they've dug for themselves, and Wilkerson is a star player.
But just because New York is willing and able to make such a deal doesn't mean it's going to happen. Wilkerson remains unsigned under the franchise tag and would have to agree to any such deal. Would any player in their prime really want to go to the Browns right now? And it's always possible that New York stays put at No. 20 in hopes of grabbing Memphis' Paxton Lynch to fill their decades-old problem under center.
Still, a deal such as this does make sense for both sides.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
