So, the Earth is 75 percent water, Will Ferrell is hilarious and the New York Jets need a quarterback. What else is new?
New York's offseason will look very similar to years past as they continue to search for a capable signal-caller. Geno Smith has proven to be the opposite of a long-term answer and free agency doesn't offer many viable alternatives (New York, are you ready for a Mark Sanchez reunion tour?!). The Jets are probably praying to the football gods that Marcus Mariota will fall to them in the draft, but as we've learned, the football gods don't seem to like the Jets very much.
So what is a Gang Green New Yorker to do? Hope for Sam Bradford, apparently.
The St. Louis Rams quarterback is coming off back-to-back torn ACLs (okay, not off to a great start here). He's under contract with St. Louis for another season, but his cap number ($16.58 million) is just too high to make Rams brass feel all warm and fuzzy like the Patriots do about Tom Brady. St. Louis reportedly wants to restructure Bradford's deal, and if he refuses a release is not out of the question.
"On Friday, in a news conference to introduce new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, the Rams gave every indication they expect to have Bradford back," ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini wrote. "Why wouldn't they? He's still the best quarterback on their roster, assuming his twice-repaired knee is healthy. Over his last 23 starts (2012-2013), he threw for 35 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions. After two years of Smith, the Jets would take that in a New York minute. If things go sideways with the financials, and Bradford becomes available, I'd expect the Jets to be interested."
The team has a new general manager and a new head coach. They still need a new starting quarterback. Free agents like Brian Hoyer or Ryan Fitzpatrick don't exactly inspire a lot of confidence and the draft is the epitome of uncertainty. Bradford, if healthy, still has enough upside at 27 years old to at least make things interesting in New York.
"Without a doubt, this is Mike Maccagnan's No. 1 challenge in his first year as GM: improve the quarterback position," Cimini added. "I don't think he wants to rely solely on the draft because Jameis Winston probably won't be available and Marcus Mariota could be a project. Good luck, Mike."
