The Chad Pennington Era with the Jets appears to be in its final days and the Jay Cutler Era could be two months from opening.
Even before they insulted Pennington with their offer to slice his pay this year from $9 million to $1 million, the Jets needed to find a new quarterback. They can't count on Pennington, not after two surgeries on his throwing shoulder less than one year apart.
Where do the Jets go from here?
"They have to do something dramatic," one GM said.
The most immediate problem for the Jets is they are picking fourth in a three-player draft. Here's how the top three likely will come off the board: USC RB Reggie Bush to Houston, USC QB Matt Leinart to New Orleans and Texas QB Vince Young to Tennessee.
Unless Leinart or Young slip to No. 4, or Mike Tannenbaum finds a way to move up to get one of them - neither scenario is likely - the Jets should take Cutler, the Vanderbilt QB who has been shooting up draft boards after a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl last month, and sign a veteran to babysit him.
So, in order, here's our list of who is most likely to be the Jets' QB next season:
Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: "Cutler has got a real strong arm and he's athletic," said one GM, who added that Cutler could turn out better than Young and Leinart.
Matt Schaub, Falcons: A third-round pick from Virginia, he's started two games in his two seasons in Atlanta. His start last season came against the Patriots - he threw for 298 yards with three TDs with no INTs in a 31-28 loss. If Atlanta would take a No. 2 for him, you make that trade. "He's big, real smart, has an above average arm," the GM said. "He's not a great athlete. He doesn't get rattled."
Matt Leinart, USC/Vince Young, Texas: It would be hard for Tannenbaum, in his first draft, to give up valuable picks to pull off a blockbuster deal to move up to get one of these guys. But it would be a great move if he did. The Saints are a virtual lock to take Leinart and get rid of Aaron Brooks.
Chris Simms, Bucs: The Jets could have had him for a No. 1 pick after Pennington was injured last season. Then Brian Griese was hurt and Simms took over. He's a restricted free agent and the Bucs will certainly tender him at a level requiring first- and third-round picks as compensation. He's got a big-time arm, excellent bloodlines and could handle New York, but it's tough to see Jon Gruden letting him go.
Patrick Ramsey, Redskins: He got beaten out twice by Mark Brunell, which tells you all you need to know about him. Joe Gibbs even drafted Jason Campbell in the first round last year to be Washington's QB of the future. Ramsey has ability and needs a change of scenery. But Gibbs isn't often wrong about QBs. He would be worth a mid-round pick.
Kerry Collins, Raiders: He's 7-26 in his last 33 starts with the Giants and Raiders. If Al Davis cuts him, he could wind up with Jim Fassel in Baltimore.
Drew Brees, Chargers: One problem: Brees tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder in the final game of the year and needed surgery. Just what the Jets need after Pennington, right?
Philip Rivers, Chargers: San Diego already paid his $14.5 million in bonuses and his base salaries are manageable. But Brees' injury makes him untouchable and perhaps the Chargers' starter.
Jon Kitna, Bengals: Carson Palmer's knee injury means it's imperative for Cincy to re-sign Kitna.
Aaron Brooks, Saints: Underachieved all those years with New Orleans.
Daunte Culpepper, Vikings: Could be traded, but his '06 availability is in doubt after tearing three knee ligaments last season.
Brian Griese, Bucs: He lost his job to Simms after suffering a season-ending knee injury and could be a cap casualty. Would be a good short-term fill-in.
Josh McCown, Cardinals: They elected to keep Kurt Warner instead. Is he any better than Brooks Bollinger?
Even before they insulted Pennington with their offer to slice his pay this year from $9 million to $1 million, the Jets needed to find a new quarterback. They can't count on Pennington, not after two surgeries on his throwing shoulder less than one year apart.
Where do the Jets go from here?
"They have to do something dramatic," one GM said.
The most immediate problem for the Jets is they are picking fourth in a three-player draft. Here's how the top three likely will come off the board: USC RB Reggie Bush to Houston, USC QB Matt Leinart to New Orleans and Texas QB Vince Young to Tennessee.
Unless Leinart or Young slip to No. 4, or Mike Tannenbaum finds a way to move up to get one of them - neither scenario is likely - the Jets should take Cutler, the Vanderbilt QB who has been shooting up draft boards after a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl last month, and sign a veteran to babysit him.
So, in order, here's our list of who is most likely to be the Jets' QB next season:
Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: "Cutler has got a real strong arm and he's athletic," said one GM, who added that Cutler could turn out better than Young and Leinart.
Matt Schaub, Falcons: A third-round pick from Virginia, he's started two games in his two seasons in Atlanta. His start last season came against the Patriots - he threw for 298 yards with three TDs with no INTs in a 31-28 loss. If Atlanta would take a No. 2 for him, you make that trade. "He's big, real smart, has an above average arm," the GM said. "He's not a great athlete. He doesn't get rattled."
Matt Leinart, USC/Vince Young, Texas: It would be hard for Tannenbaum, in his first draft, to give up valuable picks to pull off a blockbuster deal to move up to get one of these guys. But it would be a great move if he did. The Saints are a virtual lock to take Leinart and get rid of Aaron Brooks.
Chris Simms, Bucs: The Jets could have had him for a No. 1 pick after Pennington was injured last season. Then Brian Griese was hurt and Simms took over. He's a restricted free agent and the Bucs will certainly tender him at a level requiring first- and third-round picks as compensation. He's got a big-time arm, excellent bloodlines and could handle New York, but it's tough to see Jon Gruden letting him go.
Patrick Ramsey, Redskins: He got beaten out twice by Mark Brunell, which tells you all you need to know about him. Joe Gibbs even drafted Jason Campbell in the first round last year to be Washington's QB of the future. Ramsey has ability and needs a change of scenery. But Gibbs isn't often wrong about QBs. He would be worth a mid-round pick.
Kerry Collins, Raiders: He's 7-26 in his last 33 starts with the Giants and Raiders. If Al Davis cuts him, he could wind up with Jim Fassel in Baltimore.
Drew Brees, Chargers: One problem: Brees tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder in the final game of the year and needed surgery. Just what the Jets need after Pennington, right?
Philip Rivers, Chargers: San Diego already paid his $14.5 million in bonuses and his base salaries are manageable. But Brees' injury makes him untouchable and perhaps the Chargers' starter.
Jon Kitna, Bengals: Carson Palmer's knee injury means it's imperative for Cincy to re-sign Kitna.
Aaron Brooks, Saints: Underachieved all those years with New Orleans.
Daunte Culpepper, Vikings: Could be traded, but his '06 availability is in doubt after tearing three knee ligaments last season.
Brian Griese, Bucs: He lost his job to Simms after suffering a season-ending knee injury and could be a cap casualty. Would be a good short-term fill-in.
Josh McCown, Cardinals: They elected to keep Kurt Warner instead. Is he any better than Brooks Bollinger?
