With the 2016 NFL draft set to take place at the end of the month, rumors are heating up regarding the New York Jets and who they are going to select with pick No. 20. While there is a chance that the Jets could go after a quarterback in the opening round, it appears as though the team is attempting to address the position via trade or re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick. With the Fitzpatrick situation still unsolved, some analysts believe that the Jets could make a trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr , the contract negotiations with Fitzpatrick and the Jets have been going on for weeks now. While Fitzpatrick had the best season of his career in 2015, the Jets’ organization does not believe that he was worth what he is asking. A deal between Fitzpatrick and the Jets could still happen, but it appears as though the team is beginning to look in different directions.
NFL Draft Q&A: Should the #Jets trade a 3rd round pick for Mike Glennon? https://t.co/vg9iluAScc pic.twitter.com/Kpi9be8v4h
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) March 27, 2016
While the Jets are apparently interested in Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch , as reported by the Inquisitr , he may be gone by the time the team drafts at No. 20. And even if Lynch is available, he is still viewed as somewhat of a project. NFL analysts believe that he has all of the skills in the world to become a competent starting quarterback, but he is unlikely to make a huge difference for a team in 2016.
After finishing with a record of 10-6 last season, the Jets are ready to compete this year. While Fitzpatrick is not an elite quarterback, he is a savvy veteran with years of experience as an NFL quarterback. Starting a rookie quarterback immediately would only set the franchise back a few years.
Since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted their franchise quarterback in Jameis Winston last year, Mike Glennon is now expendable. While Glennon is still unproven, he has shown numerous flashes that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. In 13 games in 2013, Glennon threw for 2,608 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. In six games in 2014, Glennon threw for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. At only 26-years-old, he could still develop into a competent quarterback for the next decade.
As Benjamin Allbright of AM1340 Denver reports, the Jets are discussing how they could acquire Glennon from the Buccaneers.
The Jet Press agrees with the notion that Glennon would be a good fit for the Jets and breaks down his upside.
“Glennon has a lot of upside as there is confidence just like he did with Fitzpatrick, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey could make Glennon as good if not better under his unique system. In his short career with the Buccaneers so far, Glennon has totaled 4,025 passing yards, 364 completions, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Make no mistake about it, Glennon can be a very effective quarterback for the Jets and if Fitzpatrick doesn’t return, would give him a golden opportunity to come on board and earn a starting spot this summer. There is no doubt he should be able to beat out both Smith and Petty and get a chance to be a starter again to prove his worth with a much better supporting cast.”
Since the Jets have a chance to compete in the AFC East this season, Glennon is a much better option than Geno Smith or Bryce Petty. While Petty has not yet played a down in the NFL and could eventually be a solid quarterback, Smith only regressed the more he played. If the Jets have to start Smith or Petty this season, they are going to struggle.
Insider Buzz: Jets in No Rush to Sign Fitzpatrick; Could Trade for Mike Glennon https://t.co/RBjasJ7E3o via @bleacherreport
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) March 25, 2016
As ESPN reports, the Jets are going to have to make a trade for Glennon if they wish to acquire him. While some considered it a possibility that the Buccaneers would release Glennon, they apparently still like him enough to keep him around as the backup to Winston.
With the New York Jets’ quarterback situation still uncertain, rumors will continue to connect the team to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon. While there is a chance the Jets still draft a quarterback in the opening round, they have to get a competent veteran quarterback on the roster if Fitzpatrick does not return.
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