Getty Image / Rich Graessle
Since the start of the offseason, there has been one expectation for the New York Jets.
They are going to find a new quarterback.
They have to. Their quarterback situation was a disaster in 2022 and was the only reason they didn’t make the playoffs this past season.
Many fans and experts are expecting the Jets to make a strong push for Aaron Rodgers to be their next QB.
The Packers are reportedly ready to move on from Rodgers. However, there are a couple of obstacles. Rodgers hasn’t decided yet if he is going to continue playing football next season and if he does, the Raiders are also expecting to pursue him.
Now, NBC Sports’ Peter King says that the Jets could have an interesting backup plan.
According to King, the Jets could pursue Lamar Jackson if they don’t get Rodgers.
“I think the biggest story in the offseason is going to be what happens with ________.”@peter_king set up for us what’s going to dominate #NFL news in the coming months: pic.twitter.com/E1MC96boeg
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 15, 2023
I think the Jets are gonna have a very tough decision on their hands, and I think they will go after Rodgers if he does play, and if they don’t get him, I think they will at least put their sniffers out and seriously consider Lamar Jackson.
While there are some questions about Jackson’s ability to stay healthy after missing 5 games in each of the last two seasons, this would still be a great move from the Jets.
With the NFL’s 4th best defense in 2022, this team is really just a quarterback away from being a playoff team. If he can stay healthy, Jackson could make them a contender.
Having to deal with Lamar Jackson and Breece Hall in the run game would be a nightmare for opposing defenses and he’d have Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore to throw to along with anybody the Jets add this offseason.
There is certainly some risk, but a move for Jackson would carry tremendous upside and just might be the best move the New York Jets could make if they aren’t able to get Aaron Rodgers.