The New York Jets are doing their due diligence with the quarterback position at the NFL Combine, with Miami quarterback and potential first-overall pick Cam Ward meeting with them in Indianapolis.
“I know it would be elite, especially with the receiving core they have, the defense they have,” Ward said when asked what it would be like to play for the Jets. “Being able to talk with their head coach for the first time was exciting and I think the Jets are not too far off, maybe a couple of pieces – I’m hoping I can be one of them.”
Ward said all the right things, but the Jets seem to be turning over every stone in search of their new quarterback, whether they address it through the draft, free agency, or the trade market.
Gang Green has had a chance to meet with multiple other passers including Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, who met with some of their scouts but has yet to have a formal meeting with the team.
McCord grew up on Long Island as a Jets fan and wore No. 6 for Mark Sanchez. New York has a chance to add someone who knows what it’s like to be a fan of the team and knows what success would do to a starving fanbase. McCord is likely to be a Day 2 or 3 pick come April.
According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has also met with the Jets, as well as other teams.
Ewers put together a solid 2024 campaign, passing for 3,472 yards, a career-high 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He’s likely to be a day two or three draft pick as well.
Along with quarterbacks, the Jets have met with some offensive playmakers as well, like Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan said it would be ‘lovely’ to play alongside Garrett Wilson.
The 6-foot-5 frame would complement Wilson perfectly, making him the perfect deep threat the Jets have been looking for since Brandon Marshall in 2016. With New York likely moving on from Davante Adams because he’d be a $38.3 million cap hit next season.
If they designate Adams as a pre-June 1 cut, it’ll save them $29.9 million, but if they designate him as a post-June 1 cut, it’ll save the team $36.2 million. But there’s a catch: the Jets would inherit a $2 million dead cap charge in 2025 and a $6.2 million dead cap charge in 2026 if Adams is listed as a post-June 1 cut.
New head coach Aaron Glenn met with Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, as well.
“I loved meeting with the Jets, that staff was great,” Johnson said. “I love coach Glenn and what he’s done for Detroit and I’m a Detroit guy so it’s great to see what he’s done. We talked a little ball, talked a little scheme too. Seemed like they have a pretty complex scheme, but I would love to play in it. Playing with Sauce [Gardner] would be cool – you know, a guy I grew up around too.”
With D.J. Reed set to hit free agency, New York may decide to address their cornerback room through the draft, and outside of Travis Hunter, Johnson will be their best bet and most likely available when they pick at No. 7.
The Jets have their work cut out for them and they’ll have a bunch of freedom in the first round to address one of their needs, whether that’s offensive line, wide receiver, interior defensive line or defensive back.
