New York Jets ‘high’ on Matt Schaub
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets will almost certainly release backup quarterback Mark Sanchez despite talks to reduce his deal and keep him on the team, and the Jets simply need a better and more reliable backup to be a safety valve behind potential franchise quarterback Geno Smith. Although Smith has the tools, the Jets are wise to be unwilling to put all their eggs into his basket, because he’s too erratic and turnover-prone to trust as the sole option for even just one season.
Michael Vick, Josh McCown, and Matt Schaub have always been viewed as the top three stopgap options for the Jets, and they could even go as far as to compete with Geno for the starting gig if the former second-round pick ends up struggling enough. McCown and Vick have been viewed as the two most likely options due to Schaub’s reported unwillingness to take a backup gig, but he is nevertheless one of the top candidates to sign with the Jets.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the QBs on the Jets shortlist remains unchanged, and he adds that the Jets organization is “high” on Matt Schaub. They certainly should be, as he is only mind-numbingly horrific season away from a string of several very good seasons that caused him to be ranked as a potential top ten quarterback. McCown had a great 2013 season, but Schaub looks like the best QB on the free agent market. If the Jets can convince him to join the squad and sign an affordable contract, then they should be elated.