The Jets’ quarterback picture remains the biggest question hanging over the franchise, and it could stay that way for a while. New York has the kind of draft capital and trade flexibility that would put it in position to chase a franchise quarterback if one ever becomes available.
That possibility is what makes C.J. Stroud an interesting name in the conversation. The Houston Texans starter has already shown real high-end ability in stretches of his career, but he has also hit a rough patch recently, which makes him a difficult player to pin down.
One writer recently argued that New York should consider taking a swing on him rather than rolling the dice on a rookie. “For a team like the Jets, rolling the dice on proven potential in a player like Stroud could be more appealing than rolling the dice on unproven potential in a rookie draft pick.
“If the Jets’ first-round pick does not land high enough, they may end up trading multiple first-round picks to land a rookie quarterback, anyway. Based on the success rate of first-round quarterbacks in recent years, including those drafted as high as first overall, there is a good chance that the quarterback New York drafts will never show a ceiling as high as the one Stroud has shown,” Michael Nania wrote.
Stroud is not an easy evaluation. The real question is whether the version New York saw from him as a rookie is closer to the truth, or whether what he’s doing now is the better indicator. The view here is that he falls somewhere in between: not elite, but clearly above average.
That’s why the Jets would have to think carefully before giving up a pile of assets for him. Still, if the choice were mine, I’d take the chance.
In Other News...
Jets Linked To Another Secondary Gamble Fans Will Have Strong Opinions On
The Jets have spent much of the offseason trying to reshape their defense, and the work has already included a notable splash in Minkah Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowler with 21 career interceptions. With several other acquisitions and draft picks aimed at tightening things up, the idea of adding another proven playmaker to the secondary is the kind of move that will naturally get attention around the team.
Trevon Diggs is the latest name to surface, with NFL analyst Kristopher Knox identifying New York as a possible fit for the former Cowboys corner. Diggs has 20 career interceptions and brings the kind of ball production teams covet, but he is still available on the open market, which leaves the conversation in a familiar place for the Jets: plenty of upside, plenty of debate, and no shortage of questions about how aggressive they should be in chasing another secondary gamble. [Read more 🡒]
Jets Camp Battle Could Decide If Aaron Glenn Fixes This Secondary
The cornerback competition taking shape at Jets training camp has a little more weight than the usual summer battle for snaps. After a season in which the secondary struggled to make game-changing plays, Aaron Glenns first camp in charge comes with a clear objective: find the right mix at the outside spots and start building a defense that can actually turn coverage into takeaways.
Azareye'h Thomas, Brandon Stephens, Nahshon Wright and D'Angelo Ponds are all in the mix, and each brings a different case to make over the next few weeks. Thomas is trying to build on a promising start before injury interrupted his year, Stephens offers veteran experience, Wright has shown an instinct for the ball, and Ponds arrives with a reputation for production. For a team that needs more than just steady coverage, this is the kind of competition that could shape how quickly the secondary changes its identity. [Read more 🡒]