A Big Splash at Quarterback?

Since 2005, the New York Jets have tried nearly everything to solve the quarterback riddle.  Since that season, seven different quarterbacks have led the team in passing.  They include:

The 1st round draft pick - Chad Pennington

The veteran looking for one more season - Brett Favre

The trade-up franchise first round pick - Mark Sanchez

The second round hopeful - Geno Smith

The veteran flash in the pan - Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Jets have managed over this time to post three double-digit winning seasons over the last 13 years.  It's been a pretty simple formula for the franchise as quality quarterback play has been the recipe for their best seasons.  The problem is that landing quality quarterback play for longer than a season at a time has been problematic.

The Jets have one of the more intriguing quarterback situations in the NFL this offseason.  The franchise holds the 6th overall draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.  While that seems promising, at least three teams sit in front of them with significant needs at quarterback.  Moving up in the draft to select a quarterback is incredibly expensive and prohibitive for a team that may not be able to access either of the draft's top two quarterbacking prospects.

With their abundance of cap space, the Jets could look to make a significant addition in the form of Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins.  But that may come down to more than just money.  The Broncos, Cardinals, and Vikings all possess the cap space to make a run at Cousins and will have more to offer in terms of a team that's ready to compete in 2018.  Again, the Jets need to be aggressive.

After a 10-6 season in 2015, the Jets have endured back-to-back 5-11 seasons.  Getting the quarterback right moving forward is the first step in turning this franchise around in 2018. 

Offensive Ranking: 28th

Defensive Ranking: 25th

Key Free Agents:  

Demario Davis - LB - The Jets leading tackler recorded 135 tackles and five sacks last season.  Reaches the free agent market at 29 years old.

Morris Claiborne - CB - Had the type of season that has been typical for his career.  Plays at a high level to start the past several seasons before injuries wear down his play.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE - Declined a two year offer to enter free agency. Seferian-Jenkins reportedly looking for a deal that will pay at least $6M per season.

Josh McCown - QB - Will be 39 years old before the start of 2018 training camp.  May decide to play another season as a veteran backup.

Kony Ealy - DE - Recorded just one sack in 2017 after being a five sack player over the past two seasons.  Will look to sign a one year deal and return to free agency in 2019.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Muhammad Wilkerson - DL - Pressure numbers stayed low after a disappointing 2016.  Has the look of a player who's been beaten up playing on the defensive line.  Cap savings: $11M

Matt Forte - RB - The 32 year old running back rushed for just 381 yards in 2017.  Cap savings: $3M

Buster Skrine - CB - Had his best season with the Jets last season but does represent significant cap space if the team chooses to go a different direction with their secondary in 2018.  Cap savings: $6M

Ben Ijalana - T - Played in 11 games as a backup player with the Jets.  Despite the space the Jets have under the cap, there's not many backup linemen in the NFL who count nearly $6M against the cap.  Cap savings: $4.6M