The Jets are leaving no stone unturned of their quest to secure a veteran quarterback for the 2023 season.
With Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Raider Derek Carr engulfing much of the free-agency hype surrounding the team, Sports Illustrated reported Monday that the Jets are “exploring all the pieces” this offseason, which incorporates “the concept of bringing [Seahawks quarterback] Geno Smith back or luring [Giants quarterback] Daniel Jones from across town.”
Smith, who led the Seahawks to a playoff appearance this 12 months following the trade of franchise quarterback Russell Wilson, began his NFL profession with the Jets in 2013, when he was chosen within the second round of the draft at thirty ninth overall.
Although the Jets posted a record of 8-8 in his first season with the team, Smith struggled as his tenure continued and was also sidelined with injuries, including a broken jaw after being punched by a teammate IK Enemkpali in 2015 over an unpaid debt.
Smith went on to sign with the Giants in 2017 before joining the Chargers the next 12 months. He has been in Seattle since 2019 and was recently honored with the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Yr award.
As for Jones, he’s rumored to be commanding $45 million per 12 months following a formidable fourth season with the Giants, during which the previous first-round pick posted a career-high in passing yards (3,205) and in completion percentage (67.2 percent). Jones led the Giants to their first trip the postseason since 2016 and a wild-card win over the Vikings.
Last month, Giants GM Joe Schoen spoke glowingly about Jones and the way the team hopes to “get something done together with his representatives.”
“That will be the goal, to construct the team around him where he can lead us and win a Super Bowl,” Schoen said of Jones, who recently switched his representation from Creative Artists Agency to Athletes First.
Along with Jones, 25, and Smith, 32, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo are also said to be a part of the Jets’ exploration, in accordance with Breer.
As for the 2 most notable names linked to the Jets this offseason, Carr visited the team facility earlier this month following his release from the Raiders after nine seasons. The 31-year-old quarterback is predicted to fulfill with potential suitors on the NFL Scouting Mix this week in Indianapolis, including the Jets.
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Rodgers continues to be under contract with the Packers. And while the team engaged in preliminary discussions with the Jets, in the possibility the previous Super Bowl champ becomes available via trade, Green Bay shouldn’t be yet aware of Rodgers’ plans following his darkness retreat.
“Until we now have those conversations, I feel all options are on the table,” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst told reporters Tuesday on the NFL Scouting Mix.
Gutekunst is hoping the team may have a resolution before the beginning of free agency on March 15.
